CANADA
After school programs offers kids safe haven
Rather than leaving children alone after school, many working parents look to Yellowknife's after-school programs to fill in the gap. The Sidedoor Youth Centre is one place kids go after school at no cost to parents. "We offer a place that parents can send the children between those gap hours of three to five," said Todd Sasaki, program co-ordinator at the Sidedoor. "We don't want to see the kids on the streets or at home alone."
The youth centre has been offering its free after-school program from youths ages six to 13 for 15 years.
Sasaki said the program goes on year round and sees an average daily attendance of between 20 to 25 students. While youths are at the centre they are given a free nutritious snack, help with their homework, access to surf the Internet, play board games and participate in other activities. He also said the program gives them a chance to unwind and relax after school.
Five staff members from the Sidedoor are involved in the program, including two volunteers from Katimavik, the youth volunteer service program. "Kids keep on coming back because we have been blessed with a great staff," said Sasaki. "I don't think it can be overlooked that we offer a free program to any and all youth in Yellowknife."
Sasaki said kids are slowly starting to trickle into the youth centre since schools have begun to return to class. However, he expects their regular numbers will resume next week.
Another after-school program in the city is offered by the YWCA. The program, which started in 1973, is offered in the schools the children attend during the day – whether it is with the Yellowknife Catholic Schools or Yk Education District No. 1. The cost of the program is $250 per student per month and goes until 5:45 p.m.
According to Janette Morris, director of child and youth services, the YWCA is planning to starts its Girlspace program geared toward young girls at the end of September.
The Centre for Northern Families and the Montessori Society also offer after-school programs. According to its website, The Centre for Northern Families offers affordable fees and financial aid to those families that cannot afford to pay the full amount. While the Montessori society offers its after-school program at its school and at NJ Macpherson School.
Adrian Lysenko
1 September 2010
http://nnsl.com/northern-news-services/stories/papers/sep1_10sh.html
