In partnership with Valley Youth Partnership for Engagement and Respect (VYPER), Read Right Society has launched iHomework, a new after school homework program geared towards local high school students.
Read Right Society worked closely with Valley Youth and local youngsters to identify the types of programs needed in our community. It was met with an overwhelming response indicating that local youth need a place to go after school.
“Youth kept telling us they need a safe place to go after school to do their homework and get support,” said Jodi McBride, executive director at Read Right Society. “We went to Hope Secondary and Two Rivers Education Centre (TREC) with surveys to find out what the youth wanted in a homework club.”
Over 60 youth participated in the surveys that asked questions, specifically targeted to disclose the needs of the students.
“The surveys confirmed the desire and need for a homework club outside of schools, with 40 participants saying they would use the homework club,” said McBride. “So we invited the youth to develop what the new homework club would look like — 11 youth worked hard to identify what they wanted in a homework club, and developed a mission and vision.
The youth vision is to provide an environment that is friendly and comfortable for students to come to and receive homework help without judgement, bullying, or being made to feel stupid.
After receiving funding in March through Valley Youth, Read Right proceeded to put action behind the youth’s vision.
“We are providing a safe, comfortable place for youth to come hang out after school, do their homework and get help when they need it, “ said Larissa Dyble, literary facilitator at Read Right Society.
iHomework is open Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the society’s lounge, Unit F 895 3rd Avenue. Youth will have access to tutors, computers, supplies and healthy snacks. Additionally, youth who live in Silver Creek, or the outskirts of town and lack transportation will be provided with rides home.
For more information please contact Larissa Dyble at 604-869-1363 or larissa@readrightsociety.com