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GROWING UP GREAT

IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.

PRIORITY GOAL Decrease the proportion of children not ready for school

TARGET ISSUE

Children who begin school ready to learn are much more likely to succeed in school – and those who do not often cannot catch up.  In 2009, nearly 12 per cent of children entering Senior Kindergarten scored low on two or more measures of school readiness.

ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES

Living in safe and caring environments, having basic needs met, being given opportunities to develop competencies, and having stable and nurturing relationships are the significant pre-conditions to healthy physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual growth.

COMMUNITY INDICATOR

By 2015, the proportion of children entering school not ready to learn will decrease by 20%

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  • Programs and services
  • Research activities
  • Convening and engagement activities
  • Public policy and advocacy activities

PRIORITY GOAL Increase opportunities for children and youth to be engaged outside of school hours

TARGET ISSUE

1 in 5 children in Ottawa lives in poverty.  Children in low-income families are three times less likely to participate in organized sport (25% vs 75%) and are less likely to participate in arts and cultural activities (19% vs 32%).  On average, 73% of youth in Ottawa’s most vulnerable neighbourhoods complete high school – the city norm is 85%.    

ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES

The links between high school success and healthy participation in activities outside of school hours are clear.  The more access a child or young person has to positive activities in these “critical hours”, the better their chance of success in school and in life.

COMMUNITY INDICATOR

By 2015, 85% of children and youth living in priority neighbourhoods will complete school

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  • Programs and services
  • Research activities
  • Convening and engagement activities
  • Public policy and advocacy activities