Between 30 to 40 students, primarily from Grades 2-6, attend the program out of a school population of 120. The program is provided at no cost to the students and is offered five days a week from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“If you can see the students and how far they are progressing in reading, math, social skills . . . it would be difficult for anyone not to appreciate and attempt to continue this free program,” said Jay Nicholson (known as Mr. J to the students)
Last Friday students enjoyed snacks donated by the Yarmouth A&W and RCMP Constable Dana Patterson delivered a box of books donated by the Yarmouth library’s WOW Reading Challenge literacy program.
Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill guided the students through a mock government debate and Mark Setlakwe, RBC’s commercial account manager for the area, talked to them about the program.
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) After School Grants Project has provided $36,000 in funding to the school.
Continued funding from RBC would ensure continuation of the program says Nicholson, which includes homework help, computer skills, drama instruction, food preparation, arts, and music.
The After School Grants Project is now in its 12th year and has provided $22 million through 750 grants to 212 organizations, helping 24,000 children.
