What Could Three Hours Change?
Helping children build the skills, confidence and opportunities to thrive.
The school day ends. A child’s opportunity to learn should continue.
Between 3 and 6 PM, children have time to explore new interests, strengthen their skills, build relationships and grow in confidence.
But not every child has access to the same opportunities.
More than a place to go.
At Start2Finish Canada, years of working alongside children, schools, volunteers and communities have shown us the value of meaningful experiences after school.
Reading with a mentor. Discovering new words. Moving and playing. Sharing a snack. Finding encouragement from a caring adult.
Safe, reliable care matters. So do play and rest. But what children experience during these hours matters too.
Quality after-school learning and enrichment deserve a stronger place in Canada’s conversation about children’s opportunities.
Putting Children’s Opportunities First
Family income, transportation, geography and the availability of programs can influence what children are able to experience.
Through Children’s First 3–6 PM, Start2Finish is beginning a national conversation about equitable access to quality after-school learning and enrichment.
We are starting with a question, not a predetermined solution:
Does every child in Canada have a fair opportunity to benefit from quality after-school experiences, regardless of family income or where they live?
We want to hear from the people who know these experiences best.
Share Your Perspective
What would make meaningful after-school opportunities more accessible to children in your community?
Your perspective can help identify the barriers, questions and opportunities that deserve greater attention.
Help Close the Afterschool Gap
Every child deserves opportunities to learn, grow and belong. You can help make enriching afterschool programs essential infrastructure in more communities.
Donate: Give more children access to literacy, movement and caring mentors.
Contact your Member of Parliament: Urge them to support sustained investment in accessible afterschool learning and well-being programs.
Volunteer: Bring your time and encouragement to help children build confidence and discover their strengths.
“Reading became more fun for me.”
“The Running & Reading Club+ helped my son learn to read. He had difficulties with literacy, but he has developed more enthusiasm for reading.”
“My teacher told me, my reading is improved and I am now the best book reader in the classroom!”