Just about everything can be done from home now, whether by choice or because of the lockdown.
And with the lockdown the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the world, parents are left working from home, socializing from home, and now, teaching from home. Teaching anything to a child can be stressful at the best of times, but to do so when the world feels like it is crashing down around you is another beast entirely.
That is why the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), a non-profit organization that seeks to empower and support all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario, created their Education Resource Development Program.
Through their work in research, advocacy, policy development and programs to strengthen Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage, the staff at ONWA has become highly aware of the struggles and issues that schooling can present.
Cheryl Bagnall, band member of Bingwi Neyhaashi Anishinaabek and Director of Community Relations for the ONWA, said that the Education Resource Development Program was created to support parents who are currently working from home with children, or have children who are attending online schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic: virtual learning, blended learning, or other home-based learning programs.
While designed to meet the needs of Indigenous families, the program is open to non-indigenous parents as well. “ONWA has created this program to fit everyone with a specific need,” said Bagnall. “We want to create a safe space for everyone to have the opportunity to be able to find supports.”
Though the program's official start date was Nov. 23, sign up can happen at any time. Program sessions occur regularly every Monday to Friday on Zoom.
Participants can sign up to this programming through the online calendar.
“The program goal is to deliver educational supports and tools with a specific focus on Indigenous based programming, learning concepts, and land-based activities for families with children ranging from junior kindergarten to grade eight,” said Bagnall. In addition to the Indigenous learning activities and exercises, there will be math, reading, and writing – as well as art sessions that feature everyday items found in the home.
And the ease of participation is something that was considered in all aspects of the program.
“ONWA wants to ensure this program is not adding any additional pressure and stress to parents,” said Bagnall.
The program is designed to ensure that families and participants can sign up to sessions that fit their schedules, and parents are encouraged to connect to sessions to ask questions, request support on how to keep on top of online schooling, and to listen and participate in lessons, workshops and activities.
Bagnall refers to it as a “living program.”
“Parents are able to suggest lessons for upcoming sessions, and this is truly where we can build on the needs of families,” says Bagnall. “It will be adaptable to the needs of Indigenous women, their families and community as a whole.”
The educator is also able to assist with locating any required resources and can review curriculum with parents, in order to work through any challenges they may be facing. It is also an opportunity to check in with community members to understand what they may be feeling in this time of seclusion.
“Immediate supports are available to connect parents and participants who may be struggling with isolation, fear, anxiety, depression, and additional family wellness needs,” said Bagnall. “This is an investment into our next generation, and it allows for parents, families and community to understand the education that is being delivered to our children.”
Bagnall says the program’s objectives are to not only “reconstruct indigenous learning into our children's academia” but to further build Indigenous women's leadership and safety, “as we move through this unprecedented time together as a community.”
For more information about ONWA or this program, visit www.onwa.ca.
