After-School Program

Literacy involves a continuum of learning to achieve goals, to develop knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society.
(UNESCO)

Saint Columba House provides a high-quality bilingual After-School program to 60 children from the community of Point Saint Charles, working in partnership with nine schools, both English and French. The goals of this program are to enhance literacy and numeracy of children through a range of creative and recreational activities, homework help and one-on-one tutoring in both languages. In addition to activities, children receive milk and a nutritious snack daily. They also participate in our weekly student recognition program, “Stars of the Week”. Parents are involved through parent-child activities, have regular contact with staff, and are welcome to volunteer in the program.

Central to the After School Program is our team of dedicated volunteers. On a daily basis we have 4-5 volunteers helping children with their homework and working individually with students who need extra help in reading. We also have many University students who participate by leading art and theatre workshops, by working individually with students and by supporting the After-School program staff. It is thanks to the dedication of our staff and volunteers that we are able to ensure that this program continues to be a success.

The After-School program now has the wonderful feature of a Children’s Library and Learning Center which has over 2,000 titles organized by reading level, a comfortable reading area with cozy bean-bag chairs, supervised computer access, and many other features to entice children to explore the wide world of literature and develop curiosity about books. Volunteer librarians have been a wonderful asset to the program as they help children to discover the hidden treasures of the library.