Pathways_08-06

Jeff Green | Feb 14, 2008

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The Monday after-school program located at North Addington Education Centre in Cloyne has been running for several months now and has been a lot of fun and learning for everyone involved.Thanks to all of the parents, students and helpers who help make this important project so successful.

We have covered a number of topics including stress management, anger control and have talked a lot about strategies for success. We have also provided assistance with homework, a healthy snack and physical activities for the participants. Throughout the program we have been emphasizing the monthly Character Education Themes. Monday May 5th will be the last day of the program and we will be having a celebration with parents and other guests on that afternoon.

The Healthy Communities Group is a local committee that formed last year.Our goal is to work in collaboration to reduce violence in the area and to promote the benefits of working together to build community capacities.We had a successful pilot project community garden in Northbrook last summer, and are now in the planning stages of securing a permanent site for a Community Horticulture and Aquaponics program (hopefully in Cloyne) this summer.

Aquaponics is an integration of hydroponics and aquaculture and is a sustainable way to grow edible fish and vegetables in a recirculating system.Aquaponics mimics natural eco-systems and is a great teaching tool for students.It is also a very successful way of growing organic food. We hope to raise Tilapia (a popular food fish), lettuce, herbs, cherry tomatoes and maybe even strawberries. This application works on both small and large scales.

If you are interested in learning more about the After School Program, the activities of the Healthy Communities Group or would like to get involved with these initiatives, please call Tom Arniel at Pathways for Children and Youth; (613) 336-1555, or Larry Pealow, Chairperson, Healthy Communities Group at (613) 336-2522.