Iglulik (Feb 24/03) - Since 1997, almost every four-year-old in Iglulik has benefitted from a long-standing program called Head Start.

The program is designed to give the kids an advantage when they get into kindergarten, said Jeela Allurut, the program's co-ordinator.

"This way of teaching is giving the children a chance to explore, learn and experiment on their own," said Allurut.

She said kids who have taken the program have offered great feedback once they move on to kindergarten.

Mary Kunuk began teaching for the Head Start program last August. Before that, she was a kindergarten teacher for seven years at the elementary school in Iglulik. She said the kids who went through the program were more prepared to start school than the others.

"They're not afraid to leave their parents. When they move to kindergarten, they already know how to tie their shoes, how to write numbers and even their names," said Kunuk.

The Head Start program has also expanded its mandate. It offers health classes for teenagers, pre- and post-natal classes, and a sewing program.

"Every community can do this. It's possible. It works because the staff works together and with the community," said Allurut.