Back-to-School Kickoff
Well, well, well here we are at the beginning of a new school year. I am a sucker for new beginnings and starting fresh. This year, Josh and I are hosting a Back-to-School Kickoff event for the community. Our goal is to:
Let kids and families know that school starts on Monday.
Equip families to have stable homes.
Equip families to prioritize school attendance.
Promote excitement for school with new gear.
Connect with families who need support for the upcoming year.
Attendance is a struggle in the North.
I know it is across the North, but I will write specifically about Whati since that is what I know first-hand.
School is not a priority for all families. I have been told it is not necessary and children will live off subsidies when they are older.
Children are often responsible for getting themselves to school.
There are no consequences from social services for truancy/absenteeism (we do not have truancy officers).
The harsh winters are an obstacle for walking to school. Everybody lives within a 500 m radius of the school so the community does not have a school bus.
Whati is ~500 people and our K-12 school averages 150 students enrolled (only 50-60% of enrolled students attend).
We have thought long and hard about this over the years and done a lot of research. We have tried different supports, sought support from consultants, talked to families, talked to the kids, partnered with the Community Government and Tlicho Governement, adjusted instructional strategies, restructured the school day, incorporated exciting learning opportunities (music, outdoor ed, radio, sports, etc), and while many of these help some students the change is not sustained. The issue of attendance is very overwhelming in the North and if you would like to hear more about our experience and thoughts please reach out.
At the Back-to-School Kickoff we will be providing families with resources to help them bring order to their home and focus on their family’s priorities and strengths. You can check out the resources here.
Tangible help relieves stress and brings blessing & prayer brings peace and sustainable change.
If you would like to be a prayer partner with a family living in Whati, please use the contact form.
Rebecca