From South Africa to Canada: A Week of Learning, Solidarity, and Shared Purpose

Rooftops Canada welcomed our partners from the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) for an impactful study visit to Toronto. From leading a workshop at the CHF Canada Annual Meeting on how Canadian housing co-ops support housing rights globally, to conversations on legal strategies to protect housing rights with Kensington-Bellwood's Community Legal Services. The week was full of learning, connection and shared purpose.  

A powerful highlight: meeting with members of Rama First Nation and hearing from Sixties Scoop survivors who are leading a community project exploring the meaning of home. We were honored to hear their stories and moved by their vision for the future. 

As we mark the International Year of Cooperatives, this visit reminds us of why co-op values and global partnerships matter – especially when the rights to housing is under threat around the world. Rooftops Canada is deeply grateful for this opportunity to strengthen relationships and re-affirm our shared commitment to advancing inclusive, sustainable communities, both locally and globally.