In October, 2017, Heart Fun: The Playground Episode "Kaiya joined Lila, Georgia, Mack, Halle, Grace, Maria, and Hudson at their old playground across the street from the new Seaside Park Elementary School (SPE)" explained Charlene Thompson SPE Community Playground Committee Member. The goal was to raise funds to build a new playground for everyone whether they are dare devils on a zip-line or kids who need better access by way of the wheelchair trails -- this playground will be built for inclusion. As Kaiya interviewed each student she learned that the kids had been working super hard to raise awareness and money for their new school's playground. They did everything from getting the news out by waiving signs and banners, raising money through craft & bake sales, a 5k fun run, talent shows, sold tickets for a Mother's Day basket & a $500 Doiron Sports Excellence gift card and even served breakfast for the Knights of Columbus. These kids were busy because three schools closed in their area and even though the new school is nice, it doesn't have a playground. After the episode was published on the Heart Fun YouTube Channel "We attached the video to our submission to the Aviva Community Fund national contest". Aviva Canada is a property and casualty insurance group that has been hosting the Community Fund competition for the past eight years. "Our goal was to get as many votes as possible and Kaiya helped us do that. At the end of the contest we had the most votes in the entire competition! Overall, our fundraising efforts raised more than $200,000 for our new playground. We are so grateful for Kaiya and her family
1st row left to right: Georgia Anderson, Grace Maxwell, Lila Scaplen. 2nd row left to right: Maria Maxwell, Kaiya Hemmings, Halle Dignard- Whittingham, Mack Anderson
Without the support of people like them we wouldn't be where we are today. It takes a village" said Charlene. It certainly does take a village, one that reinforces collaboration, teamwork and communication skills. Without active communication and planning skills the kids of SPE could not have reached their goal as people wouldn't have known about their efforts or felt a part of the process. Engaging individuals and community is a big part of active communication skills and Kaiya has been learning this first hand by sharing her story online and now through public speaking. It wasn't always easy, but she tackled the fear of public speaking head on. "Mom helps me with my speeches and dad helps with my videos. I use to get butterflies, but I learned that practice makes perfect so I practice with my family". It may sound simple to practice over and over again, but how many adults do you know that can speak in front of thousands of people, or 7600 to be exact...That's the size of the WE Day audience Kaiya address on May 17, 2018. "I was a little nervous before I went out. I said 'fly away butterflies' then when I got out there I yelled 'Hello Saint John' and shared the speech I practiced: 'when you stand up for what you believe in and share it with the world your message will get louder and louder and when it gets louder other people will join in with you.' I really liked that because if I kept that message in my head, to myself, this movement wouldn't be happening right now. It was awesome and I'm really proud of myself." Kiaya's dad, Greg, has some good advice too "So many adults say: 'I couldn’t do that'... I think we impose our own fears on our children. Letting your kids explore these things publicly and connect with adults early in life shows them there is nothing to be scared of. We're really proud -59-
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of her." We asked Kaiya how she deals with kids who don't let her play now: "I think, I can't be treated this way and I'm like... 'Please can I play with you. 'no' they say, but eventually I talk them through it and ask them 'Remember what I said about being an includer?' and then we play." - Well done Kaiya!
Public Speaking.
The top 5 communication and empathy skills that students learn through public speaking. Awareness: To recognize a problem and honestly share it with others. Planning & Balance: organizing thoughts and considering how & what information should be shared. Empathic storytelling: by interviewing others and communicating shared experiences youth can learn to be effective storytellers who can paint empathic pictures for others. Overcoming fears: understanding that it's ok to be nervous, like Kaiya was before her WE Day speech, but to push that fear out and to know it will be ok. Be yourself & confident: being your authentic self is one of the most powerful skills we can teach our youth. It will give them confidence to over come problems, like bullying, and even speak in front of 7600 people!