Aspire
A Neighbourhood Capacity Program
Education is not merely a process that involves teaching the academics. It also includes teaching children social skills which will help students feel more competent at school, at home, and in the community. Developing social skills at school is as significant as the academic domain. Learning how to get along with others, developing friendships, and establishing a positive out-look on life are critical. Students who are without social skills development experience rejection from classmates and learn to avoid social situations. Feelings of hurt and disappointment are the outcome and affect the child's ability to feel positive about school, peers, and life in general.
In 2007 when demands for support services and interventions became more frequent and more complex the Region of Peel began a new initiative called the Neighbourhood Capacity Support Strategy that is aimed at improving targeted at-risk communities and neighbourhoods in the Region of Peel.
Aspire provides free after school tutoring within a targeted at-risk neighbourhood in Mississauga for K-6th graders. Aspire allows students to develop not only stronger academic skills, that will show an improvement in grades, more participation in school, less resistance towards completing homework, and less fear or anxiety about attending school. It will also allow students to build stronger social skills while working with positive role models such as self confidence; self worth, allowing them to make healthier choices in life that are right for them.
Local high school students are given the opportunity to earn community service hours to go towards their high school diploma by volunteering their time to act as tutors for the children within the neighbourhood.
We believe in a child’s life that a good experience with schoolwork will boost confidence, social interaction, and create a foundation for hope. Parents having to work late know their children are in a safe place, and receiving help with schoolwork. Other components of this program include a nutritious snack, parent meetings and many other reinforcing measures.
