A safe place to play
Lights On program makes after-school activities accessible
Kirsten Fenn
Northern News Services
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
While most schools sat empty during March break, Mildred Hall was teeming with students.
Students from Mildred Hall School gather in a circle during the Lights On Program. - photo courtesy of Katey Simmons
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Instead of hitting the books, they're learning to socialize and take part in fun and games in a healthy environment through the school's Lights On program.
"We wanted a safe place for kids to hang out during that time where we didn't have to worry about them being out in the dark or cold or hanging around public buildings," said Mildred Hall principal Katey Simmons. "It's basically a time when they can come into the school and be chaperoned and play games and hang out with their friends. And there's always food involved."
The program, which is free for students, started three years ago thanks to support from Canadian Tire's Jumpstart Program, Simmons said.
According to the company's website, Jumpstart is a registered charity that aims to make physical activity more accessible to families in financial need.
Lights On has since grown to include anywhere between 35 to 40 children, most of whom are in Grades 5 to 8, Simmons said, while several different teachers volunteer to keep the program running.
"It's usually evenings, so about 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock at night," she said. "We pick those times because we could have a meal."
On some occasions, students get a chance to make their own pizzas from scratch, slathering dough in fresh sauce, pepperoni and cheese.
On others, students get a chance to take part in excursions to the swimming pool or bowling at the Kingpin Bowling Centre - the expenses for which are covered by the program.
"Some of these extra things are quite expensive," Simmons said, referring to extracurricular activities like sports or music.
Not everyone can afford to take part in those, she added, which is why the Lights On program is important.
"It's just to give them that opportunity and to keep them active," Simmons said. "We don't use the laptops, we don't play movies. They're moving and it's trying to keep a healthy lifestyle going while we're out of school."
More than that, the children just want to have fun.
"They come whether they can or cannot afford these types of things," Simmon said. "It's just a social event for them. And generally I find the kids like to be here at the school."
With its current success, Simmons hopes to expand the program to the summer if the school can secure the funding.
"We're very grateful to Canadian Tire and their Jumpstart program, because without it we wouldn't be able to run such an event," she said.
