Gathering Place filled with fun, educational programs
By Janina Stajic
Monday, November 17 2008
If you think after-school programs are simply a place for kids to hang out until parents finish work, think again. The reality – at least on Gabriola – is very different.
“We’ve come a long way since the simple drop-in days of nine years ago,” says Alisha Okum, manager of middle-years programming, handing me a November schedule.
““We’ve been a licensed program for eight years and have a curriculum focused on building up resiliency. We teach kids in grades one to seven life-skills such as how to establish a positive self-identity, problem solve and make healthy choices. The reputation of the program has other communities asking when our curriculum will be available for reproduction.”
A quick glance at the schedule and it’s easy to see why. Every day there are different curriculum-based activities such as sports, science, games, and a favourite of the students, Friday’s ‘Movie and Grub.’
“Every child learns differently so we introduce a variety of activities. And yes, Friday is popular although the ‘grub’ part is new.”
Alisha felt it was important to get kids involved in preparing and learning about healthy food. So each week the children make healthy ‘grub’ before watching the movie.
The peer-helping program complements this after-school curriculum. Now in its fifth year, it appeals to older kids who feel they’ve outgrown after-school care. Participating students take an intensive ‘boot camp’ -- five, six-hour long classes -- to learn skills like peer-counselling and communications. Then they put those skills to use assisting Alisha.
“They help plan and lead younger kids through activities. For example, last week two peer-helpers organized the movie-day grub making.” There are even programs for parents such as ‘Triple P Parenting.’
“This program is widely available throughout Canada but not yet in B.C.,” says Alisha. “But we think its a great program, giving practical tools and support directly to parents.”
Alisha also runs an exclusive weekly class for grade sevens, focusing on skills they’ll need as they make the shift to Nanaimo high schools.
The only program not running is before school care. The reason? Not enough students.
“Before 2006, 50 percent of Gabriola’s population worked off-island so parents needed early morning care. The latest statistics indicate a dramatic shift – now 80-85 percent of people work on-island, so before school care isn’t so crucial.”
Interested in learning more about these valuable programs? Give Alisha a call (247-8370) or check out the soon-to-be-launched brochure. And remember -- it isn’t necessary to commit to five days a week.
“Some kids come once a week or month. It would be fine for kids to come once a year. As long as we have a registration form to fulfil legal requirements then we welcome drop-ins. Just check first to see if we have space.”
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