About Loyan Foundation
Our Mission is to address issues of violence in the East African community through culturally and linguistically appropriate social programs.
Our Vision is to help build a more united, safer, and stronger community for East Africans and Torontonians in general, where all individuals at risk of exposure to violence may benefit from social and emotional support.
Our History began with the shooting death of 23 year-old Loyan Ahmed Gilao in a tragic case of mistaken identity. Loyan was a forward-looking and community conscious young man, who started a youth development program called We Help, committed to building youth programming in his community. While his work was cut short all too soon, in the immediate aftermath of Loyan’s death, a group of families and supporters came together to engage in public advocacy, awareness and education initiatives to prevent the violence which had claimed Loyan’s life and carry on his work and passion. This association developed into Loyan Foundation and became a registered charity in 2011. We have since expanded activities to develop youth-oriented violence prevention programming and research. See our PROGRAMS page for more information.
