After-School Youth Program
School/community name: DJSS, Enterprise, NWT
By hectore on Flickr
Brief description/summary of project: I started a program for the youth in my small, local community. Four days a week, I offer a place for the kids to go, activities for them to do, and someone to talk to.
What age range did this project/initiative target? Youth aged 10-17.
What cost, if any, was involved? Funding from the government. Previously was $5000 for a few months of operation.
What approval had to be obtained for the project/initiative to be carried out? Approval from our SAO (Senior Administrative Officer) based on a proposal I wrote up.
What problems was this project/initiative designed to address? It was more to prevent problems before they happened. Most kids were/are just getting into high school. I wanted a place/project available so they didn’t turn to bad habits on their free time.
Who organized/ran this initiative? I organized the program and I run it by myself.
What were the main responsibilities/tasks of the leaders/organizers? To plan activities, be a role model and have fun!
What were the short-term goals? To have at least one all-nighter with the kids every month!
What were the long-term goals? For me, to have someone or one of the kids to take over and continue the program when I graduate from high school.
Were these goals achieved? The short-term goals were achieved, hopefully the long-term goal will be achieved.
How did the initiative achieve these goals? I love having the program available for the kids, so I stayed dedicated to show the small population of kids in my community that what they want and felt mattered.
How did this initiative benefit the school or community? The kids came together and had a good time. The youth respect each other.
Any additional information about this project/initiative: In a small community, I suggest a program like this one to unite the youth, and I have seen how it can prevent negative actions from being taken by youth.
