FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2005

JANE & FINCH COMMUNITY HONOURS COMMUNITY LEADER BENJAMIN OSEI

YORK WEST - Mario Sergio, M.P.P. for York West united with Judy Sgro, M.P. and local councilor Peter LiPreti to honour youth leader Benjamin Osei at Driftwood community centre on May 26, 2005.

Dozens of local constituents, including local religious leaders and youth came together to pay tribute to Mr. Osei for his remarkable life and extensive community involvement with youth at risk in the Jane and Finch community.

"Mr. Benjamin Osei is a man who has triumphed insurmountable odds, to turn personal tragedy into a lifeline, which is today saving many youth at risk in my riding of York West," Mario Sergio, M.P.P. said.

In 1985 Benjamin Osei was tutoring in Kabala, Africa and founded a bakery with the intention of assisting displaced youth with skill development. When war broke in Sierra Leone in 1991, soldiers confiscated the bakery, massacred his first wife and children and held Benjamin Osei captive. His miraculous escape led him to Canada where he earned a Masters Degree in Divinity at Acadia Academy in Nova Scotia. Upon his return to Ghana, where he aspired to continue with his vision for troubled youth, Benjamin Osei became the victim of a botched kidnapping.

He managed to remarry and return to Canada working odd jobs during the day while faithfully serving the Jane & Finch community as a full-time youth worker by night. He established a successful youth outreach program teaching life skills to vulnerable youth. Mr. Osei currently runs basketball programs for 60 boys and girls as well as a girls-only club. He also assists the poor and single mothers in the community.

"Benjamin Osei truly demonstrates how great adversity can birth great opportunity, compassion and determination. His resolve to see others achieve success, and not to accept defeat in spite of their circumstances is outstanding," Mario Sergio, M.P.P. said.

For more information:

Mario Sergio, M.P.P.
Queen's Park office
(416) 585-7007