RIVERVIEW, N.B. – The provincial government is investing $52,000 in after-school programs in certain areas of the province.
Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard made the announcement at the Riverview Boys and Girls Club.
"After-school hours are a key time and opportunity to support wellness, especially since many children and youth choose to watch television, use the computer or play video games instead of being active,” Shephard said. “Researchers also regularly report poor eating habits and increased juvenile crime during the after school hours. Focusing on enhancing opportunities for all children in the after-school hours is an important component of the province’s wellness strategy and vital to rebuilding a healthier New Brunswick."
The After School Hours grant program provides $1,000 to successful applicants. It supports affordable opportunities offered to all school children to be active, pro-social and engaged in fun activities while building positive relationships that will last a lifetime.
"The goal is to recognize and support best practices that reflect the comprehensive After School Hours framework and to provide children and youth with quality experiences after school," said Shephard. "This initiative also encourages engagement with organizations within their communities by building on their community assets."
"As a member of the After School Hours working group, Recreation New Brunswick commends the Department of Healthy and Inclusive Communities for offering the After School Hours program," said Sarah Wagner, interim executive director of the organization. "In New Brunswick, there is a great need for quality after-school programming that is low cost and is accessible to children and youth. This program will help children and youth eat better, be more physically active and more involved in their communities.”
First Nations, schools, licensed day cares, community organizations and early years/family resource centres in the following areas have received funding:
● Bathurst;
● Campbellton;
● Edmundston;
● Fredericton;
● Miramichi;
● Moncton;
● Saint John; and
● Woodstock
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