OUT OF SCHOOL TIME COLLABORATIVE

The Out of School Time (OST) Collaborative is a partnership of community groups, community leaders, service delivery agencies, and local institutions that have been working together since 2008. The OST Collaborative began in response to concerns raised by immigrant and refugee families and community groups regarding the increased need for specific supports and programs for their children and youth when they are not in school. The OST has evolved and expanded its focus to include out of school time programs and supports for immigrant and refugee children and youth as well as all children and youth experiencing social vulnerability.

Since 2015, REACH Edmonton has provided full time coordination and backbone support for the OST Collaborative. The Coordinator supports the OST partner organizations with their organizational and program development needs through training opportunities including the annual OST Conference in June.

OUTCOMES

• Increased connectivity with their community
• Increased academic success
• Increased sense of belonging and identity
• Become more engaged Edmontonians

“We involve youth and their families in developing our programs and giving their opinions on what we can do to increase the wellbeing of families. Some have experienced discrimination and conflict. In learning how to overcome these challenges we’re helping them gain coping and leadership skills. We’re building their self-esteem, and helping them understand how they can be good citizens in this country.”

- Luketa M’Pindou, Alliance Jeunesse-Famille de l’Alberta Society

"A parent shared with us that their grade four child would come home every week and try to teach his older siblings new Somali words he learned at the camp. The youth was born and raised in Canada, and made friends with two youth who immigrated to Canada last year. After the first week they became best friends and started teaching each other about Somali culture and Canadian culture."

- Somali Canadian Culture Society of Edmonton