Project Name:              Four Directions One Path

 

Project Summary:      This is a continuing UMAYC project. Four Directions One Path seeks to help prepare young urban Aboriginal people to meet the challenges of adolescence through an ethnically sensitive and culturally appropriate program of activities and experiences. Youth will be encouraged to build on and develop social, emotional, ethical, physical and spiritual competencies. The program is youth centred in that it engages young peoples diverse talents, skills and interests building on their strengths and involving them in the planning and decision making.

 

Anticipated Results: The project will benefit Youth and the community in a variety of ways.  First and most importantly, Aboriginal youth will have a place to call their own.  They will have real opportunity to decide what happens there and how.  They will have an opportunity to meet new people, seek support, access education and employment services and learn about their culture. 

 

Young people who are doing well in life will also have a place to go where they can interact with other Youth their age and participate in cultural activities and language programs that may not ordinarily be available to them.

 

FOUR DIRECTIONS - ONE PATH will have the following results:

 

à        An enhanced sense of belonging and increased self-esteem for urban Aboriginal Youth.

à        Provide a safe, nonjudgmental place for Youth to hang out as an alternative to the streets

à        Increased learning of traditional ways for Aboriginal Youth

à        Increased awareness of issues affecting urban Aboriginal Youth in todays society

à        To create a peer support system for Aboriginal Youth

à        To empower Youth and provide opportunities for self governance and leadership

à        Increased Youth, family and community involvement

à        Provide Youth with an opportunity to begin to address some of the issues that prevent them from participating fully in community and family life.