Most parents are busy juggling work, raising children, and taking care of their families. Some new Canadian parents wrestle with not having Canadian work experience, finding a job in their field of expertise, busy with training, or changing careers and are too occupied in the evening to look after their children. For some parents, finding a safe place to keep their kids when they are busy can be tough either due to cost or safety. Some parents have to work in the evenings or attend classes, so they are not sure where to keep their children safe, and what to do about their homework.
The children on their part, those born in Canada, and those who came with their parents are caught in an identity crisis. Not sure if they are Canadian, or their country of origin.
Africa Centre has partnered with Boys and Girls Club Big Brothers Big Sisters to not only keep kids safe after school when parents go to work or go to pursue bigger dreams, but they have taken it a step further. Every Wednesday to Saturday, Rita and her staff team and volunteers help children at Africa centre location on 6770 129 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta. The Africa Centre club delivers programming in five areas; Academic, Health and Nutrition, Leadership and Growth, Arts and Culture, and Sports and Recreation. The programs aim to create enriching experiences for the kids/youths while enhancing their personal strengths, interpersonal skills and cultural identity.
On a visit to the program on March 23, 2018, I had a chat with the exciting and passionate Rita Rwigamba, Club Coordinator, who was so passionate about her program such that I felt like joining the club but, the age limit is 6– 17. Unfortunately, I’m so out.
Most of the children are of new Canadian parents, as such, the program helps them to connect to their culture and that of Canada. The program also instils in the children; a strong sense of self-identity, self-confidence, and self-worth.
The afterschool program runs from September to June and involves external partners to spice up the program. Some of the external partners include but are not limited to; Edmonton public library, Spirit Taekwondo Academy, Tennis Alberta, Science fundamentals, etc. On my short climb down from Rita’s office to the gym, I could see some of the children in a two-hour drumming/dancing session with Sangea Academy.
I was intrigued to find out that the club introduces the children to creative programs such as Junior Achievement which teaches the kids how to start their own business and manage money. Rita showed me the learning kit used for that part of the program. “At the end, we get them to start their own little mini-business, even if it’s selling cookies,” Rita shared with Diversity Magazine as she goes through a variety of learning kits.
In the summer, the after-school program fades into a summer camp with registration on June 2 and June 9. Africa Centre runs two camps in Edmonton, one on the North side and the other on the South side. Interested parents can contact the office for one of the 200 competitive spaces at 780.455.5423, ext. 200. For the summer camps 2018, Africa Centre will be hiring about 30 students this year.
“…It’s important to help the kids when they are still young to enhance their long term success,” Rita concluded, mopped by a group of children playing drums. As I squeeze through them to the exit door, all I could hear was a chorus of, “bye, see you next time”.
Rita Rwigamba, Club Coordinator, brandishes business startup kit for schools
