Change starts here.
Change starts here.
Kamaya was only six years old when she started skipping school. She would call her mother to come take her home several times a week, complaining of a headache or stomach aches. But they would miraculously disappear as soon as she got home.
Kamaya’s mother, Tanya, knew her daughter was having trouble learning. Kamaya had struggled with speech delays since she was three years old. By the time she finished kindergarten, she could only recognize five letters of the alphabet. In grade one, she could not even pronounce her own name correctly. Kids at school teased her because of the way she talked, and she was starting to be bullied.
Kamaya is not alone. In fact, one in 10 Canadians has a learning disability. But children with learning disabilities have a higher risk of school drop-out, a life of crime, and even suicide. These statistics paint a dark picture:
Fortunately, United Way-funded partners like the Learning Disabilities Association of Vancouver are there to help. With your support, programs help children with learning disabilities overcome the challenges they are faced with and live fulfilling and productive lives.
In Tanya’s words, “Getting connected with the Learning Disabilities Association was the best thing that ever happened to us! They walked alongside us – letting us know we were not alone. They supported us in so many ways, and they gave Kamaya specialized tutoring. Within only a couple of weeks I could see her self-confidence starting to build.”
Only two months after Kamaya started tutoring, she walked up to her mother and said, “Momma, Momma, listen! Ka-ma-ya.” It was the first time she had been able to say her own name.
Since then, the transformation has been incredible. Early intervention is critical in overcoming learning disabilities. Thanks to the generosity of United Way donors, Kamaya went from being a shy, bullied little girl who was afraid she’d never be able to read to a confident 11-year-old who stands up for herself, knows how to learn her way, and is an advocate for other children with learning disabilities. She’s even told her story in front of a crowd of 700 people!
Without the support of United Way, Kamaya would not have had the help she needed. But she’s not the only one who needs help. There are so many children out there like Kamaya, who have learning disabilities or other obstacles to success in school. In fact, 30% of children in the Lower Mainland are not developmentally ready for school by age six.
Please give as much as you can today. The numbers paint a scary future for children with learning disabilities, but there is still hope. Your support today can help prevent these kids from dropping out of school … or ending up in jail … or ending their own lives because they think they can’t succeed at life.
Together, we can give hope, confidence and a bright future to children like Kamaya. Your generosity can change a life!
Please join us, by giving a generous gift today.
United Way is the only Metro Vancouver organization funding over 160 social service agencies to deliver more than 500 prevention-based initiatives. Your donation helps young children get a good start in life by supporting:
Almost 30% of Metro Vancouver children are not ready for the learning school provides by age six. They are developmentally vulnerable and are behind where they should be socially, emotionally and/or physically. Without proper emotional support and stimulation and nutritious food, children are more likely to grow up facing social and economic problems.
Parental and caregiver involvement, education, and support are critical to a child’s healthy development. Yet, for many families with young children, there are not enough supporters in place to help kids develop the skills they need to succeed.
United Way funds parenting and drop-in programs where parents and caregivers receive early childhood education and participate in structured play with their child, and pregnant mothers learn about proper nutrition for themselves and their infant. This knowledge ensures children are ready for school and can reach their potential helping to break the cycle of poverty for future generations.
Contributing towards delivering 100,000 nutritious meals and snacks to young children participating in early childhood development and child care programs
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