Programs For Youth and Students

 VAFCS' After-School Recreation Program is a dynamic program designed to provide recreational activities for Indigenous youth ages 6-18. This program aims to promote physical activity, socialization, and cultural expression through traditional and contemporary sports, games, arts, and crafts. Participants have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that cater to their interests and abilities.

The Youth Recreation Program provides a safe and inclusive environment for Indigenous youth to connect with their peers and engage in healthy and fun activities. Through participation in these activities, youth can develop physical and social skills, as well as strengthen their cultural identity.The program's activities are designed to cater to the diverse interests of Indigenous youth. The traditional sports and games component includes activities such as lacrosse, traditional archery, and hoop dancing. The contemporary sports component includes activities such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The arts and crafts component includes activities such as beading, painting, and carving.

 The Indigenous Student Bursary (ISB) program is VAFCS' newest initiative, aimed at supporting Vancouver's Urban Indigenous post-secondary students with financial aid. The program puts out yearly calls for applications and provides bursaries to selected candidates to help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. The ISB program recognizes the value of education as a means of empowerment and strives to support Indigenous students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The ISB program is designed to support students of all ages and backgrounds pursuing a variety of post-secondary programs, from trades and vocational training to undergraduate and graduate degrees. The program aims to provide not only financial support but also guidance and mentorship to students, helping them navigate the challenges of post-secondary education and achieve success.

 The Employment and Life Skills Training (ELST) program at VAFCS is a valuable resource for individuals of all ages seeking assistance in finding meaningful employment. The program provides a variety of resources and training to help clients build their skills and knowledge, such as resume building, education and training certification, and facilitating job boards, fairs, and employer networking.

ELST's mission is to empower Indigenous clients to achieve their career goals by providing culturally appropriate resources and support. The program is open to individuals of all ages, and is designed to address the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous job seekers. The program offers a safe and supportive environment where clients can access the tools and resources they need to succeed.

In addition to traditional employment training, ELST also offers life skills training to help clients build confidence, improve communication skills, and develop healthy coping