Parents and children together : the development of the Oshki-majahitowiin Head Start Programme : Canada
Document type: article
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Abstract:
Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) is a national early intervention programme funded by Health Canada, for First Nations, Inuit and Métis preschool children and their families. Approximately 3,500 children participate annually in 98 aboriginal Head Start centres located across Canada. The Oshki-majahitowiin Head Start Programme started in 1996. It is modelled after the Head Start Programme in the United States that is designed to give preschool children and their parents an opportunity for educational and spiritual development. The programme operates in a centre in the heart of the City of Winnipeg. Recent statistics identify this part of the city as the poorest urban constituency in Canada. It is a neighbourhood of extreme need for children and families, and high risk too: health, safety, housing, employment, education, personal relationships – all need attention. Single parents and/or grandparents often head families. But beyond the graffiti-painted fences, inside an old brick building, there is a large room, painted with lively earth colours: the playroom for the children. The four directions, represented with four colours, invite people to understand Ojibway and Cree cultures. On one wall is the kitchen niche, open to the playroom so cooks can be part of the children’s programme. One wall has windows with a view to a small playground and park. Another wall has windows that look into the offices of staff. Parent participation is a key to the success of the programme, which honours and supports traditional cultural and spiritual values.
Authors:
Lawrenchuk, R.
,
Harvey, C.D.H.
,
Berkowitz, M.
Country:
Canada
Category:
Practice
End Page:
29
Serial number:
95
ISSN:
1387-9553
Journal:
Early Childhood Matters
Keywords:
children
,
aid programmes
,
participation
,
indigenous peoples
,
family
Language:
eng
Organization:
Bernard van Leer Foundation
Year:
2000
Region:
North America
Right:
© 2000 Bernard van Leer Foundation
Subject:
Culture, Society and Religion
Start Page:
24
Title:
Parents and children together : the development of the Oshki-majahitowiin Head Start Programme : Canada