Twelve-year-old Kieneshia loves sports. She excels on her school’s basketball and volleyball teams, and enjoys playing soccer and lacrosse.
“Sports make a big difference for me,” she says. “I make friends. I feel good in my body and I know what to do.”
One year ago, her life was very different. Kieneshia often felt sad and shy coming to school. She felt left out and didn’t believe she belonged.
She wasn’t struggling alone.
Every month, more than one-third of children in Grades 4 to 7 are either bullied, or bully others. This can lead to low-self-esteem, depression and anxiety. These risks climb after school, during the crucial hours of 3 and 6pm.
Things have changed for Kieneshia now that she’s attending a unique United Way School’s Out program focused on healthy living and leadership. Red Fox Active Play program serves Aboriginal and inner-city children and youth, offering recreation, food and cultural programs that foster healthy, active living and leadership.
It was the right connection that changed everything.
Taking part in team-based sports and games helped her develop her social connections, self-confidence and leadership skills.
“As soon as I had friends, I was less shy. And I wasn’t left out,” she says.
As one of the older kids in the group she is also a group ‘helper’, assisting program coordinators with clean-up and working with the younger children.
“It makes me feel really proud of myself,” she says.
She loves spending time with the program coordinators too.
“It feels great because they are helping me become a young adult. Everyone is kind and fun.”
Kieneshia likes that program coordinators like Destiny aren’t that much older than she is. “It makes it easier to connect.”
Two of her siblings also attend the program. Avianna is ten and Zachary is five. Now they’re following in their sister’s footsteps, making new friends of their own.
In after-school programs like this one, kids see and believe that people care about them.
“Before when I was left out, I felt sad,” says Kieneshia. “Now, I have my own life. I know I belong.”
Love seeing kids grow up great? See how Amanda’s life has changed.
