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CLASSES FOR KIDS MORE CLASSES AVAILABLE! Check out www.pteschool.ca for details or to register for Munsch fun Find out in ONCE UPON A MUNSCH or MISSION MUNSCH. PTE is known for its hilarious Munsch shows. Now 6–9 year-olds can experience the fun in a 10 week class for just $170. Photo by B. Monk. How Munsch fun can you have? Come dance with us in the 2016-2017 season Ages 3 and up For more info email rossdaledancers@gmail.com www.rossdaledancers.ca Registration: Thursday, September 1 6:30pm at Rossdale Hall, 537 Donald Rd., St. Andrews Classes start Monday, September 12, at St. Andrews School Celebrating 40 Years of Ukrainian Dance! B A C K T O S C H O O L , M U S I C & D A N C E … A N D M O R E ! S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S T H U R S D A Y, A U G U S T 11 , 2 0 1 6 3 Situated in the heart of one of the city's most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, the University of Winnipeg continues to provide a variety of innovative programs for youth and families, designed to help them grow physically, academically, culturally andsocially. T he school's community learning programs not only provide positive recreational activities for young people, but also encourage their present and future educational success. "We understand that, as a university located in inner- city Winnipeg, we have an obligation to give everyone access to the university and make sure people really feel they are part of the university community," says Jarita Greyeyes, the university's associate vice-president of Indigenous Affairs. "We also want to develop a university-bound identity and create pathways to post- secondary education for everyone who lives in our area." Greyeyes says the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre provides free access to computers, meeting space and free educational and cultural after-school and summer programs for children, youth and families. The centre began about 10 years ago as an after-school homework club, but has since expanded in tune with the needs of the neighbourhood. Over the past year, more than 10,000 people of all ages have accessed the centre's programs and services. It is easy to see why, as the centre offers something for everyone, free of charge, in a welcoming, supportive environment. Through various programs, participants can develop reading skills, learn indigenous languages and experience cultural music and dance. The centre also offers Let's Talk Science, an after-school program led by faculty of science volunteers, to encourage children and youth to take a closer look at the science in their daily lives. "We also have an amazing math program that works on a peer mentorship model for learning math," says Greyeyes, noting that the older students develop leadership skills in working with younger students. "We know that math skills are a good predictor of future academic success. If you feel confident in math, it translates into confidence in other academic subjects." Over at the Axworthy Health & RecPlex, the centre offers a weekly Pow Wow Club where community residents of all ages can learn traditional dancing, song and drum teachings. The RecPlex is the site of a full slate of programs created through 60 different university-community partnerships, including collaborations with such groups as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg and the Spence Neighbourhood Association. "We work with organizations that work with kids who would benefit from having access to an indoor facility, especially during the winter months," says Chino Argueta, the facility's business development and operations manager. "Programming can vary (among) basketball, soccer, a running club or organized drop-in times. We have a partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers that resulted in a flag football program with them, which sees participation by about 250 kids from 20 different schools." Argueta says about 1,000 community members representing all age groups use the RecPlex every week, though the largest group of participants tends to be made up of area youth attending after- school programs and drop-in activities. The facility houses a FIFA- standard soccer field, indoor track, community gym, retractable batting cages, dance/yoga studio and a multi-purpose room. "Friday is known as Youth Night here when pretty much the entire facility is used for youth activities," says Argueta. "We take pride in providing a safe, welcoming environment for them, so even if they are just hanging out with their friends, they are socializing and getting acquainted with the people in their neighbourhood." Argueta says participation in extra-curricular activities helps young people make friends, reduce stress and even boost their brain development, which helps them better focus on studies. Fitness and sports activities naturally promote health and well-being for people of all ages. Participation also helps young people feel a better sense of belonging to their community and to the university, hopefully inspiring them to recognize that higher education is within their grasp. "We are meeting our mandate as a university located downtown, community organizations are meeting their mandates by providing services to the kids and the kids are happy — and that's the main thing," says Argueta. "You walk in here and you hear the noise, see the smiles and hear the laughter. A lot of our youth are newcomers. Sometimes, when I'm in my office, I hear three different languages being spoken — and that is just very satisfying. That is definitely what makes this building special." For more information, check out uwinnipeg.ca, contact Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre at 204-258-2951 or wiichii@ uwinnipeg.ca, and the Axworthy Health & RecPlex Programs at sport@spenceneighbourhood.org. The Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre provides free access to computers, meeting space and educational and cultural after-school programs for children, youth and families. Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre photos

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