Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Healthy Relationships: Children and Youth

Program Name:

"Our Gang" After School Life Skills Program

Organization/Community:

Kahnawake Shakotiia'takehnhas Community Services (KSCS)

Location:

Kahnawake, Quebec

Website:

www.kscs.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To promote respect and responsibility through Mohawk values, culture and Traditions, reducing vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Target Group Description:

Children (ages 6-12), Parents and Families.

Program Description:

The program is a free, community-based social/life skills program for Mohawk children between the ages of 6-12 years. It is prevention based and focuses on group inclusion, self-awareness, understanding relationships, decision-making, culture awareness and the world around us. The program staff believe in role modelling a healthy lifestyle, and in promoting responsibility. The activities of the program include lesson plans, guest speakers, art activities, games, role playing, and presentations. The group runs from 2:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday to Friday throughout the school year. Group members learn to take pride in being Mohawk and learn to appreciate what other cultures represent. By exposing the members to different cultures and other belief systems they learn acceptance of and appreciation for people's differences, as well as learn to take pride in who they are.

Program Successes/Impact:

Children making more positive life choices after participating in the program. High level of community involvement and support of the program.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

It has been challenging getting parents to participate in the program. Staff also finds it challenging to work with children with learning disabilities.

Program in operation since:

1994.

Program:

Ongoing.