Province Introduces Grants for After-school Physical Activity Programs

Nova Scotia students and families will have more opportunities to engage in recreational activities in our schools.

Education Minister Ramona Jennex announced today, Feb. 9, the Community Use of Schools Grants Program, part of the Kids and Learning First education plan. The grants will improve access to school facilities and promote healthy, active living. At least 100 schools will benefit from the program.

"These grants will strengthen schools as the heart of our communities," said Ms. Jennex. "Welcoming parents and community members into schools is a key objective in the Kids and Learning First plan."

The grant program will provide a total of $660,000 per year to school boards to help with the costs of using school facilities after hours. The funding will help increase access to school facilities at times when schools are not in use.

"It's great for kids to have a safe place to play, learn new skills, and have fun," said Lia Hennigar, a parent of two boys that participate in the after-school physical activity program at Port Williams Elementary School. "I am pleased that funding is going towards programs like this, not just for my boys, but for all families in the region."

Participating schools can access up to $5,000 per site/per year for year-round after-school physical activity programming. The grants will also support community groups and organizations that wish to use school facilities for physical activity, cultural, and educational purposes.

All schools are eligible to apply through their boards for funding. The funds may be used for program co-ordination, salary of program leaders, leadership training, travel expenses of program leaders, student transportation, equipment and other program resources, janitorial services and nutritional snacks for participants.

Grants for community groups and organizations may be used to reduce costs such as cleaning, supervision, security, maintenance or supplies; extend the hours for which community groups have access to schools by covering costs such as heat and lights; and extend access to schools for community use to weekends and the summer months.