Tomorrow is the  Giving Something Back day. As we said before EC Vancouver staff will be participating in three different projects . Today, would like  to let you know more about our projects at YWCA. The first one is the Crabtree Early Learning and Care Centre which is a transitional housing for parents and pregnant women who are overcoming substance abuse issues. Pregnant women can stay until their baby is nine months old, and mothers trying to regain custody of their children can stay for up to 18 months. They also offer short-term care for children ages six weeks to six years in the Downtown Eastside allowing parents the opportunity to attend appointments, court appearances or have a much-needed mental health break from their children. Not only are the children cared for in a safe environment, but they learn valuable life skills such as problem solving, language and social aptitude. Our EC team will get together and put all energy into this project. We will be helping out with cleaning and gardening on site.  

                        On April 14 the EC teachers, staff, management and board will unite for Giving Back for Fred Day, an event that will be a great opportunity to help those in need in our communities.             The event was named after Fred Gonzalez, a former colleague at EC. Fred passed away tragically in 2009, but not after giving so much to this company.                 To remember his deeds, each one of our 15 schools has come up with a project that connects EC with the community. As well, it is a wonderful opportunity for co-workers to socialize.            Vancouver staff will be working for three different institutions: Munroe House transition home, Crabtree Child Care and the Canadian Cancer Society.             We really hope the spirit of this event has a positive effect on everyone, and that the day is remembered by all who participate in it.

“EC student Helal Al Najrani does a yoga Wheel. This pose definitely wakes you up and increases energy levels!” It’s Monday morning.  We’ve had a great weekend with our friends in Vancouver, and now we’re feeling tired and just want to relax for the first hour of class, maybe put our heads down and just catch a few more zzzzzzzzs (“Please, teacher! Can we just sleep for a bit…?”). How can we increase our energy level and prepare for another day of learning?    How about a little yoga?   Yoga is well-known for the benefits it provides your physical body, but did you also know it helps improve your focus, concentration, and ability to remember new information?  Say hello to a great new learning tool!  Here are just a few reasons why yoga in the classroom is a great idea:  Improves our ability to focus We all feel a little foggy in the mornings, especially Mondays (and sometimes Fridays)!  Think of yoga as a healthy alternative to a giant cup of coffee from Starbucks.  It’s a natural way of energizing your body through movement that is connected with your mind.  By focusing on our bodies and our breathing, yoga practice helps clear our mind of ‘noisy thoughts’ – like what you did on the weekend – and become more present to what’s happening at this very moment. Increases self-confidence Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who arrive to class awake and excited to learn, but you’re a little shy when it comes to participating?  Fear no more!  Yoga practice is a wonderful link between your mind and your body: when you try a new pose you may feel a little nervous, but as you become more confident in your body’s ability to hold a yoga pose, and try new … Read more