Nanaimo Unique Kids Orginization
How does NUKO make a difference in Nanaimo?
Our charity makes a difference in Nanaimo by supporting children with special needs and their families. Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization (NUKO) is a learning centre for children and youth with neurological disabilities. We are able to provide small classrooms and low student to adult ratios (3:1) to ensure our unique kids get the help they need. We support our students academically, recreationally, socially and behaviourally. Many of our students were not successful in the public school system. This is why NUKO was founded in 2005 by a group of parents who recognized a lack of services for children with complex needs to get their needs met in a safe and supported environment. I personally have seen parents in tears after their child has completed their first few days here - these parents were used to having a phone call every morning to pick up their child from school because the school could not handle the behaviours. The parents simply can't believe that we are willing to support their children during behaviours. With our trained staff and holistic approach to child development, we celebrate every success.
In the lives of each parent whose child we serve, we are making a huge difference by allowing them to know their child is in a safe place where they are accepted for who they are. In the the lives of the children, we are making a difference by boosting self esteem, and giving them the chance to try things they never thought possible, all in a fun and safe place.
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What are the immediate needs of NUKO?
We love to offer as many recreational activities as possible. This allows our students to take the skills we learn during social and academic learning out to the community. We have recently been trying "Spectrum Martial Arts", an adapted Tae Kwan Do program. We go to the pool weekly and we play games in Oliver Woods Gym. Recreational experiences cost money - but the benefit to our unique kids is great. There are many activities, both physical learning and creative arts, that we would love to offer children and youth in our program. A donation would go towards equipment (sports, music, art) or to a facility that offers adapted experiences in sports, music or art.