AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS & ARTS INITIATIVE (ASSAI)
In 2010, British Columbia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture launched a pilot program for under-represented students to take part in after school sport programs. The successful pilot was expanded to include arts programming and is now operating in 22 school districts across British Columbia. From parkour to painting, thousands of students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 participate in ASSAI each year.
Program Location
Schools are the main location for ASSAI programming. On school
grounds there are typically a variety of spaces to use, and school
personnel can act as collaborators and supporters of the program.
• The use of offsite facilities for activities (e.g.,
mountain biking) is included as it enriches student experience.
Program Design
ACCESSIBLE & ENGAGING
Programs are accessible and inclusive to children who face barriers to participation. This includes designing programs to be welcoming to all children and making it easy for participants to access the program.
• Programs are designed to support participants in elementary school.
• Programs are ALWAYS free.
• Programs are designed to reduce barriers to participation such as:
o financial,
o geographical,
o transportation,
o cultural,
o family circumstances, or
o behavioural.
• Programs are held immediately after school.
• Programs are varied, fun, and allow children to try new things. Both sport and arts programs offer an appropriate level of challenge and opportunities for continued skill development.