CEDA» About» Our History

Our History

CEDA has been an active part of community building in Winnipeg’s inner-city neighbourhoods for nearly 40 years. Since 1979, we have been rooted in strong community development values and the belief that building community voice and taking action is the most empowering activity for neighbourhoods.

Community schools

In 1975, the Manitoba Department of Education initiated community schools programming at Shaughnessy Park, William Whyte, Dufferin, and Norquay schools, so that communities could use their local school spaces. Additional programs for children and youth, adult education, and programs to strengthen neighbourhood, family life, and community group representation were all organized in these early community schools. In 1977, the Department of Education expanded the community school programming to David Livingstone, King Edward, and Machray schools.

A new not-for-profit community incubator

In 1978, governmental changes led to the community schools program being transferred over to the Winnipeg School Division with one year of funding. In 1979, with the support of parent councils and community members, 7 schools formed a board of directors and a new non-profit organization called CEDA: The Community Education Development Association.

Over its 4 decades of operation, CEDA has incubated many community initiatives in many inner-city neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, including the:

  • Resident’s Association Development
    • Luxton, Dufferin, and St. John’s neighbourhood Resident’s Associations
    • Flora Place Tenant’s Association
  • Youth Leadership Development
    • Youth Opportunity Program (YOP)
  • Community Economic Development
    • SEED Winnipeg Inc. – Supporting Employment and Economic Development
    • LITE – Local Investment Towards Employment
    • BUILD Inc. – Building Urban Industries for Local Development
    • NECRC – North End Community Renewal Corporation
  • Issue-Based Coalitions
    • Inner-City Housing Coalition
    • Inner-City Safety Coalition
    • Leadership, Education, and Advocacy Development (LEAD)

Today, CEDA continues to lead projects and support programs that encourage and Help Communities Help Themselves.