OUR PROGRAMS
Radiant Star is unwaveringly committed to augmenting the intellectual capacities of young people as they navigate their school education. We prioritize language, mathematics, and science education, concurrently instilling habits of a disciplined mind, such as planning, prioritizing, and maintaining focus. Acknowledging the pivotal role of families, we actively engage them in our programs, recognizing that family progress is integral to the development of a cohesive community.​
Numeracy Education
At school the work of a teacher is complex. Ensuring a class of 20 or more students of varying capacities and talents all advance in several subject areas is a significant challenge, even for the most experienced educators. Teachers must often move through the curriculum at a pace that does not suit all students, and unfortunately, some students fall behind. We have observed that if this lag is not dealt with in a timely manner, the problem becomes compounded since the concepts taught each year build on those from previous years.
​
The Radiant Star program seeks to address this problem by assisting its participants to develop an in-depth understanding of concepts at an early stage. Many participants begin the program feeling insecure about their abilities; however, after a few weeks of working together, they begin to recognize their potential and are continuously driven by their thirst for knowledge. They show a more positive attitude towards their studies and the quality of their work increases significantly.
​
Students are systematically guided through the texts recommended by the Ontario curriculum. They are assisted to develop their problem solving and reasoning abilities through the rigorous application of the concepts they study. Their understanding increases as they strive to make connections between concepts and procedures and relate them to daily life. Participants become increasingly capable of representing ideas using varied approaches such as pictures, diagrams, and graphs and communicating their understanding orally and in writing. Furthermore, they learn the importance of being patient with themselves and of constantly exerting effort as they strive to realize their potential, ultimately resulting in the improvement of their grades.
STEM Education
Over the past few years, the organization Radiant Star has provided children and youth with tutoring services to help them improve their literacy and numeracy skills. During these tutoring sessions, it became evident that many of these students dislike math causing them to perform poorly in school. In the Eglinton East neighbourhood we found EQAO math scores at Grade 6 student level at 42%, which is much lower than 52% in TDSB schools boardwide.
In response to the challenges encountered by students in traditional classroom settings especially in math and science education, our program seeks to bridge understanding gaps through small group tutoring. Emphasizing early intervention, we focus on cultivating a profound comprehension of foundational concepts. Participants not only build confidence in their abilities but also nurture problem-solving and reasoning skills, fostering a positive attitude towards their studies.
By intentionally combining science, mathematics, technology, and engineering concepts, Radiant Star aims to make learning more engaging and applicable. This innovative approach seeks to improve math scores and ignite a passion for STEM subjects, equipping students for future challenges in a rapidly evolving world.
​
Literacy Program
Our Literacy Program focuses on the moral and intellectual empowerment of participants. Radiant Star employs stories, comprehension and vocabulary exercises, group discussion questions and presentations to explore social, and moral realities while enhancing literacy skills. The program encourages self-expression and critical thinking, nurturing well-rounded individuals poised for success in both academic and personal spheres. Our approach motivates students to apply academic concepts to practical projects that contribute to the betterment of their neighborhood, fostering a sense of purpose and community engagement.
Youth Leadership
Young people have a strong desire to contribute to the progress of humanity and have a significant role to play in the transformation of society. It is important for each generation of youth to reflect on how to walk the path of service. During the period of youth, we have the ability to adapt to different situations, have energy and are filled with enthusiasm. This energy and enthusiasm needs to be channeled towards sustained service to the community.
Service to the community can help us better understand the purpose of our education, clarify the kind of occupation we choose for ourselves and give meaning to how we contribute to the well-being of our families. When service is given its proper place, the energies and powers that characterize the period of youth are directed towards acts that contribute to individual and social transformation.
Help to develop the capacity for various acts of service such as:
-
Planning the annual youth conference for youth in the Scarborough Southwest area to come together and consult about how they can serve their communities
-
Facilitating Youth Groups and Camps
-
Planning Community Gatherings
-
Visiting parents and community members to consult about how they can work towards the betterment of their community
-
Play games and sports
-
Organize educational outings
-
Artistic activities
-
Social activities
THRIVE WELL-BEING
Numerous social factors are worsening an already worrisome crisis in youth mental health. We know that young people often turn first to their peers for support when struggling. The Thrive workshops are designed to help youth support their own mental health and well-being as well as that of their friends, families, and communities. These sessions provide a youth-led space for young people to reflect on the meaning of true friendship, personal purpose, and how service to others can foster both individual and collective growth. Developed with input from youth counsellors, educators, social workers, and doctors, the workshops include real-world stories and interactive discussions to promote engagement. For your reference, we have attached the workshop outline.