The Gemma Headstart Program in Kyuquot for children up to age six is picking up steam, said coordinator Devon Hansen. It opened its doors Jan. 14 with funding and advice from First Nations Health Authority.
Devon works closely with FNHA, which recently shared ideas on how to increase the involvement of children. Now the program has begun to grow.
Today there are more children, more parents, grandparents and community members attending each Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to take part in fun activities scheduled each week.
The program has become hugely beneficial for all involved, said Devon. Parents interact with their young ones, they all have the opportunity to get elbow deep into crafts, coloring, painting, and playing, and just simply enjoying time together.
Parents also provide a potluck dinner and share a family meal together.
On Feb. 11, the theme for that Thursday was Valentine’s Day. The activities included card making, painting Styrofoam heart shapes, and modge-podging. Excitement was in the air as the little children bounced and fluttered to each activity around the room.
Additional activities include Moe the Mouse, which is used to teach our own language. Today the little ones are quite familiar with Moe and his friends. Moe also gets to spend the weekend with one of the children, another big hit with the participants.
And there is always playtime with cars/bikes, and things to crawl through to burn off some extra energy before the children head home.
The program is being held at the Kyuquot Community Centre, because the current Headstart facility in the community doesn’t have enough room to accommodate the kinds of activities being offered.
