Program Eligibility: BIPOCC, Newcomer, Refugee, PR
Program Description:
The Enable Program supports the needs of immigrant and refugee, children, and youth between the ages of 6 - 19. All our services are designed to address their academic, social, and emotional needs as they transition into Canadian Society. A holistic, client-centered approach is used to meet young people where they are in their life, and to provide them with opportunities to increase their sense of identity, belonging, and community within their new environment.
Contact enable@vircs.bc.ca for more information.
Program Activities Include:
SPARKS FOR CHILDREN
Sparks aims to help newcomer children ages 6 to 11 years old improve their English and build stronger social-emotional skills as they adjust to the Canadian school system. Sparks uses games, art, stories, sports, and art therapy to help children make new friends, practice their English, and learn about Canadian culture. All activities and lessons plans are designed to build children's self-esteem, support healthy behaviors, and encourage creative self-expression, while also learning about and celebrating diversity. Sparks is offered in a different elementary school each term as an after-school program, and takes place for two hours per week, for 10 weeks. Check with Enable Program staff to see if Sparks is offered at your child’s school!
HOMEWORK CLUB & TUTORING
Homework Club helps children succeed in school environments by helping with assignments, projects, tests, and improving study skills. This program provides a safe space to learn, make new friends, build self-confidence, and increase academic performance. Homework Club is for children ages 6-11 and runs through the school year. The program helps newcomer and BIPOC children build lasting friendships. Homework Club meets every Tuesday with qualified volunteer tutors and VIRCS Staff.
ART THERAPY FOR CHILDREN
Facilitated by an arts therapist, this program offers newcomer children an opportunity to increase their sense of connection and belonging while also improving their social-emotional skills. Children ages 6 to 13 years old can participate in a 6 - 10-week group process along with one-on-one to process feelings about their immigration experiences, grief and loss, separation from family members, loneliness, isolation, and trauma. Mind-body approaches, creative processes, and play are used as meaningful sources for communication, self-expression, and integration. The Art Therapy program takes place during school hours, for 6 - 10 weeks and rotates through different elementary and middle schools in greater Victoria.
YOUTH NIGHT ACTIVITY
Youth Activity Night is a program that provides a safe and fun place for youth to practice their English, make new friends, and experience Victoria and what it has to offer. Twice a month we offer different activities including workshops, art projects, games, sports, community outings, and events. For Youth Activity Night, we have visited the Victoria Art Gallery, gone to a Royal’s hockey game, explored local parks, had cooking workshops, had beach clean ups, went on hikes and much more! It is a great opportunity to experience new things with friends from around the world! Youth Activity Night is for youth ages 12-18 years old. Youth Nights take place on Thursday nights, but dates and times may change depending on the activity and the location. Check with Enable Program staff to see what Youth Night activities are happening this month.
YOUTH STRIDES SUMMER CAMP
Youth Strides Summer Camp is an annual, week-long summer camp for newcomer children and youth. The camp consists of structured time for leadership programming, life skills development, and other workshops along with free time for socializing and outdoor recreation. Workshops and activities include playing sports, swimming, kayaking, art, theater, music, and photography. Youth learn and practice leadership skills, gain personal confidence, form strong bonds with one another, and successfully work towards their personal goals. This program will take place in the summer.
Check with Enable staff to see when Strides Childrens Camp and Strides Youth Camp take place.
