Greater Victoria kids growing up in low-income housing complexes will learn social responsibility and leadership thanks to $25,000 in new funding for the Virtues Project.
“We’ve seen this program make a drastic impact on those children who are in it,” said Nikola Mende, manager of fund development for Pacifica Housing Society, which operates 31 housing complexes on the South Island and helps low-income people find places to live.
The non-profit group received an $18,500 grant from Telus and $7,000 from CFAX Santas Anonymous toward starting the Virtues Project program at two housing complexes. The program is already operating weekly at complexes in Colwood, Sooke and Saanich for kids ages four to 12.
It began five years ago as staff looked for ways to curb vandalism. “We did some research on youth behaviours and found this program, which is known around the world,” said Mende. The Virtues Project website says it is based on the idea “that all children are born with the virtues in potential, and that when parents and educators awaken these gifts of character, we can change the world.”
Facilitators use art, sport and cultural activities to discuss basic virtues and social responsibility and encourage kids to become leaders in their own communities. They also go on group outings.
“When I went to check out one of the groups, I heard a boy, 11 or 12 years old, say the best part of the program was being a role model. That really made an impression,” Mende said.
A key part of the program’s success has been to offer it free and where the kids live, she said.
“There are a lot of single parents and families living at these complexes who might not be able to afford after-school programs or have transportation,” said Mende. “Also, the parents don’t have to be there because the program is on-site. Single parents need a break as well.”
Pacifica will visit three housing complexes — Hawthorne Way in Saanich, Kew Court in James Bay and Oak Park in Langford — to see where the greatest interest and need is to start the new programs. For more details, visit pacificahousing.ca.
