What We Do

The Community Education Development Association (CEDA) is a community-based organization that serves students and families, teachers, and school administrations in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

CEDA has been an active part of community building in Winnipeg’s inner-city neighbourhoods for over 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 a transformative community schools program at Shaughnessy Park, William Whyte, Dufferin, and Norquay schools, opening their doors for community use. These early community schools organized a rich array of programs, including additional activities for children and youth, adult education, and initiatives to strengthen neighborhoods, family life, and community group representation. By 1977, this visionary programming expanded to include David Livingstone, King Edward, and Machray schools, further embedding community support and enrichment into the fabric of local education.

A New Not-for-Profit Community Incubator

In 1978, following governmental changes, the community schools program was transferred to the Winnipeg School Division with one year of funding. Undeterred, in 1979, parent councils and community members united to form a board of directors for a new non-profit organization: CEDA, the Community Education Development Association. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.

For over four decades, CEDA has been a catalyst for positive change, incubating numerous community initiatives across Winnipeg’s inner-city neighborhoods, including:

• Residents Association Development:
  • Establishing Resident’s Associations in Luxton, Dufferin, and St. John’s neighborhoods
  • Forming the Flora Place Tenants Association
    
• Youth Leadership Development:
  • Launching the Youth Opportunity Program (YOP) to empower young leaders
    
• Community Economic Development:
  • Supporting Employment and Economic Development (SEED Winnipeg Inc.)
  • Promoting local employment through LITE (Local Investment Towards Employment)
  • Building Urban Industries for Local Development (BUILD Inc.)
  • Renewing communities with the North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC)
    
• Issue-Based Coalitions:
  • Forming the Inner-City Housing Coalition
  • Establishing the Inner-City Safety Coalition
    
• Leadership, Education, and Advocacy Development (LEAD):
  • Fostering leadership and advocacy through education and development programs

Today, CEDA continues to lead projects and support programs that encourage and help these communities thrive.