Children need to feel #SeenAndHeard now more than ever
November 20th is National Child Day, and while celebrating children is at the heart of everything we do at Future Possibilities for Kids, we want to give special attention to the challenges facing children this year especially, and the ways they are building resilience in the face of it.
National Child Day is a day to recognize and celebrate children as active participants in their own lives and in communities, and as active citizens who can and should meaningfully contribute to decision-making. With all the changes children are experiencing with the pandemic this year, we believe it is critical to create opportunities for children to engage with others, and contribute something meaningful to their community. This fosters connection, provides powerful acknowledgements to build confidence, and allows Kids to feel seen and heard which is perhaps the most important of all.
With Ready, Set, Goal! starting this weekend at our first virtual Activity Day of the program year, FPK is excited to provide these opportunities for Kids.
In the spring, many Kids in Ready, Set, Goal had to pivot their community goal when the pandemic started. After planning for months to plant trees at her school to support a passion for the environment, one Kid was faced with the challenge of what to do next when schools shut down due to COVID-19. With the support of her KidCoach volunteer, she instead focused on planting vegetables in her backyard to share with neighbours once harvested. Now that’s community leadership!
The leadership skills and resilience they will build from their experience in the program will continue with them throughout their lives and in the face of future challenges. These Kids are our future leaders, and with that brings hope that we can all triumph over these uncertain times.
In the effort to make Kids feel seen and heard, join us for the next Possibility Room – a virtual community gathering on December 1st at 7:30pm EST. In this half hour, we will shine a light on Kids and the people who listen, encourage, and support them. Register here for this uplifting time to connect, and be inspired by the young people around us.
