A U of M Jazz student (aka Jazz Buddy) mentors a participant in guitar technique during the CanU Jazz Academy
They can: Connections that make an impact
WHAT: CanU is an after-school program that inspires hope and confidence in under-resourced youth.
HOW IT WORKS: Once a week (for 14 weeks) Grade 5 and 6 students from around Winnipeg are transported by partnering school divisions to the University of Manitoba. Here, they connect with university student mentors and instructors to deepen their literacy, learn how to cook healthy foods, or get involved in sport or jazz music. The CanU Health Sciences program, REACH, begins for junior high students in 2014-15.
THE GOAL:Â To provide kids with inspiring mentors, experiences and dreams.
THE IMPACT: In four years, CanU has grown from 15 kids and 59 volunteers to 240 children and 300 volunteers.
IN HER OWN WORDS: “There are so many great stories from the children, their teachers and our university students,” says Rita Courchaine, a Faculty of Education employee who at first helped CanU with hosting duties when the kids come to campus and now does the finances and paperwork. “When I see one of the mentors having a heart-to-heart with one of the kids, or see one of the returning kids run to high-five a returning mentor in the fall, I know this program is having an impact. I am proud to be a part of CanU.”
FUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS: Chippingham Financial Group; CIBC Children’s Foundation; Central Neighborhoods Development Corporation; the Desautels Faculty of Music, University of Manitoba; Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine; Granny’s Poultry Farmers Cooperative; Canadian Tire; Jumpstart; Let’s Talk Science partnership program; the Louis Riel School Division; Manitoba Housing; Neighborhoods Alive!; Pembina Trails School Division; The Navigators; Quarks; University of Manitoba Bisons Sports; University of Manitoba Faculty of Education; University of Manitoba Faculty of Human Ecology; Winnipeg School Division; Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation; and the Winnipeg Foundation
LEARN MORE
To see the impact the University of Manitoba has on the global community take a look at this map. If you have a community-minded story to tell, please do so by submitting your story here.