TORONTO – Kids Now is a free, after-school mentoring program for students in grades 7 and 8.
Created by Canadian educator, Janet King, this national program empowers youth to believe in themselves and to make positive choices that will help them reach their full potential.
“If you look at the issues that kids are facing in that time, they’re not little kids, but they’re not in high school,” said Kids Now founder Janet King. “If you can get them at that place, when they’re making those funny and crazy decisions, then you’ve got a better opportunity to help them in their future.”
One volunteer mentor is matched with ten students in a 12-week curriculum based program that builds important life-success skills such as building self-confidence, resolving conflict, setting goals, improving communication and managing stress.
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“The program takes a very proactive approach, instead of waiting for kids to have the issue right, that they haven’t been able to deal,” King said. “We give them the tools so that they can handle what those issues are.”
The program takes an anti-bullying focus and includes interactive games, skill-based activities, and group discussions.
“I was bullied against my race, people bullying me because of my colour and i felt really uncomfortable and unwanted,” said St. Luigi Catholic School student Oluwa Busayo Akinsurlire. “I wanted to take part in kids now to build confidence and more self- esteem.”
Administrators at St. Luigi Catholic School say the program has taken kids out of their shells and given them a confidence boost.
“It gives them the confidence they need in order to say no to drugs and say no to alcohol, and stand up to bullies,” said volunteer mentor Laura Purdon.
“I’ve heard from some people that have previously done this throughout the year and they had said you know this has changed my life,” said St. Luigi Catholic School student Katherine Carvalho. “It gave me new ideas and so I am like hmm actually that sounds interesting i wonder what I can learn from this and apply it in my life?”
You can find more information about Kids Now organization here.
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