The Spanish Speaking Education Network (SSEN) will be hosting its Fourth Congress of Education on October 3, 2009 at Seneca College in Toronto. The conference will focus on issues affecting vulnerable youth such as gang involvement, the importance of parent involvement, school violence prevention, and high dropout rates. International and local speakers will discuss topics like post-secondary education, community health systems, and externalizing disorders of childhood. Attendance is free and will include breakfast, lunch, childcare, and shuttle transportation from Downsview station. The goal is to educate the Spanish speaking community on supporting youth through commitment and understanding.

1. PRESS RELEASE FOR THE FOURTH CONGRESS OF EDUCATION 2009
The Spanish Speaking Education Network (SSEN), is an evolving organization driven by educators, parents, social
workers, administrators and students of Ontario. Its main purpose is to raise awareness and educate parents on
issues related to the realities that affect our vulnerable youth. These issues include:
• unmasking the truth of gang involvement and affiliation
• the importance of parent involvement
• school violence prevention and intervention
• How to help minimize the alarming drop out rates that are continuing to rise.
Therefore on October 3, 2009, from 9:-00 am to 5:00 pm at Seneca College –York Campus
(70 Pond Road, Toronto, Ont.) SSEN will be hosting Its Fourth Congress of Education. We have put together the
best of the best to help educate our ever growing Spanish Speaking Community residing in the GTA/Ontario.
There will be International speakers as well as workshops in support of this educational campaign. Keynote
Speakers include: Dr. Al Valdez, Professor at the University of California Irvine, and recognized trainer and
consultant in the areas of youth violence, parent and teacher awareness issues. Jeff Kybak, Author of the book:
”What is Wrong with University” And How to Make It Work for you Anyway”. He will speak about the post-
secondary education system and the issues of cultural relativism as it relates to university education. Dr. Bruce
Ferguson, University of Toronto Professor and also Director of Community Health Systems Resource Group , Sick
Kids Hospital who will be presenting valuable information on:
• systems of care for children - building integrated services to support children and families
• interaction of systems of care and communities impacting children's outcomes
• measuring the well-being (health and mental health) at the community level
• changing the practice patterns of professionals serving children and families
• the externalizing disorders of childhood and antisocial youth
Attendance is free and it includes: shuttle bus from Downsview station, breakfast, lunch, childcare and
solutions to ensure the success of our students. You could register online at www.ssen.ca or by phone at:
The conference will be held in Spanish; however translation devices will be available for non-Spanish speakers.
The day is expected to shine a bright light to all those individuals who continue to support our youth through
commitment, compassion, understanding and support. Join us in this breakthrough event, bring your students,
teachers, friends, neighbors and together we can walk in a new light. The Spanish Speaking Education Network
(SSEN) believes that change occurs with awareness. Let’s make that happen for the future of our youth and their
parents
Saturday September 12, 2009, at 1:00pm, at York Memorial Collegiate Institute, 2690 Eglinton Avenue
West, in the auditorium of the school. Join us and help us deliver the good news!
Thanks for your support,
SSEN
Board of Directors President