Recreation & Parks Association of Nunavut
The “Leading the Way” initiative will support youth training and employment; Inuit Mentor training and contract work for young adults; and an increase in after and/or out of school programs for children and youth, inclusive of physical activity, sport, cooking and cultural activity.
The Recreation & Parks Association of Nunavut (RPAN) will undertake a collaborative effort to work with communities, school and partners to deliver a program that supports the training and development of young emerging leaders as well as the delivery of quality after and/or out school programs being developed and implemented by youth for children and youth. Young people have innovative ideas and diverse perspectives. When they are given the right tools and opportunities to lead, they are well positioned to make positive changes in their communities. RPAN is committed to engaging young people in decision making, leadership and skill training, and program implementation that impact them and create after and/or out of school opportunities for children and other youth in their communities. We are committed to building capacity and employment opportunities for our youth. We are committed to supporting increased after and/or out of school programs.
The benefits of quality recreation and sport programs cannot be underestimated…physical health, mental health and social. The many documented physical health benefits of staying active include reduced obesity, a diminished risk of disease, an enhanced immune system and most importantly, increased life expectancy. Mental health disorders pose a significant concern in Nunavut. Regular physical activity during recreation can reduce the severity of many mental health disorders, enabling individuals to better cope with their daily lives. Mental health benefits include reducing depression, relieving stress and improving the quality of life. Recreation opportunities can have positive impacts on our society. Living in Nunavut presents a wide range of social conditions influencing the way we live, work, and recreate. These conditions can be improved through participation in recreation activities by strengthening communities, reducing crime, encouraging volunteerism, uniting families and developing individuals.
Beyond just the benefits that accrue to individuals, recreation is an important, verifiable asset to our communities. Recreation programs offer cost-effective means for addressing some of our most troubling problems, particularly with regard to youth. As suggested and widely documented, recreation programs can do much to reduce juvenile delinquency and crime, combat the use of drugs and alcohol, reduce teen pregnancy and school drop-outs, and promote learning. By providing opportunities to strengthen family bonds, promote cultural diversity and understanding, and stimulate a greater acceptance of others, recreation opportunities can build better and more livable communities.
The most significant conclusion to be derived is that these benefits can act in tandem. For example, a recreation program directed at youth participation can contribute to employment opportunities, suicide prevention, increase self-esteem, develop skills, reduce the use of alcohol, build family bonds, and promote volunteerism, all at the same time. The manner in which combined benefits may be gained is almost endless. This impact makes recreation one of the most cost-effective public services available to decision makers.
Project Goal
“To provide an avenue that builds community capacity in the recreation sector that will support and contribute to training, employments and program delivery of quality after and/or out of school programs for children and youth.’
Priority Areas
1. Increase and strengthen capacity of community recreation sector in Nunavut through the development of resources and toolkits; certification and ongoing training, and recruitment of support contract staff.
2. Support the collective understanding of effective after and/or out of school programs by providing equipment, supplies, annual program plans, and assisting in the development of community plans.
3. Host quality program planning and implementation in communities
Contact
Dawn Currie
Email: dcurrie@rpan.ca
Phone: 613-876-0491