Published September 12, 2017 18:15
Source http://unitedwaywinnipeg.ca/find-affordable-school-activities/
After-school programming benefits the whole family.
From mom-and-baby classes to post-kindergarten playdates, there’s lots of stuff for little kids to do to keep them busy and socially engaged before nap time. But once they start school, opportunities for extracurricular engagement start to drop.
“There’s a complete mismatch between the end of the school day and the end of parents’ workdays,” says Daljit Gill-Badesha, a healthy communities and children’s programs manager.
“And children in the six-to-12 age group are more vulnerable at this time than any other. Unfortunately, many kids lack opportunities to be meaningfully engaged and active after school.”
That’s a problem because “kids need after-school time to develop socially, to explore their limits and to manage peer relationships in a creative, open environment,” says Emma Sutherland, executive director at a United Way agency in that gives Indigenous and inner-city children access to recreation, food and cultural programs designed to foster healthy living, leadership and employment training.
And quality after-school programming doesn’t just benefit kids. “For some parents, especially the working poor, these few hours of childcare, where they know their kids are safe, happy and supervised, can make all the difference,” says Sutherland. “These programs also create opportunities for community bonding for parents who need a little extra social support.” Here’s how to find the best after-school programs in your area.
Ask kids for input
Gill-Badesha recommends asking kids what they want to do. “When we’re talking to kids, they’ll say, ‘We have ideas, we know what we want. You need to work with us more.’” she says. “These kids have so much potential, and they want places to act on that potential.” Just a trip to your local library can offer them an array of choices, from book and Lego clubs to homework help to games and crafts days.
Find a team
Most communities offer organized sports teams, but there are also multisport leadership programs funded by non-profit organizations, as well as programs designed to keep kids physically active available through city recreation centres, arenas and pools. “Whether it’s sports-oriented or a form of creative play, play in itself gives children opportunities that lead to mastery, which is so important for self-esteem,” says Sutherland.
Let them lead
Look for organizations that get kids involved in community leadership projects, giving them the chance to develop their leadership potential. Some great options include United Way-supported Girl Guides of Canada (three areas of Winnipeg) and Boys & Girls’ Clubs of Winnipeg. At Sutherland’s agency, programs geared toward physical literacy are led by Indigenous youth who may then progress to supervisors and, eventually, become staff members. “It’s an important opportunity for all children to see Indigenous youth in leadership positions,” says Sutherland.
Last year young people found positive mentorship, safety and support at 41 out-of-school programs offered through United Way Winnipeg-supported agencies including:
- Art City Inc.
- Graffiti Art Programming Inc
- Guid’Amies franco-manitobains
- Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba
- Kildonan Youth Activity Centre
- Manitoba School Improvement Program Inc. – Peaceful Village
- Maples Youth Activity Centre
- Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc.
- Rossbrook House
- Spence Neighbourhood Association
- Teen Stop Jeunesse
- West Broadway Youth Outreach
- West Central Community Program
- YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg