A whole ocean of programmes for children and young people
Stella B. Kristinsdóttir is the manager of leisure activities for the City of Hafnarfjörður, and she works closely with the after-school clubs and youth centres that operate at all primary schools in Hafnarfjörður. Participation in organised activities promotes both well-being and social skills. This includes both activities run by the local council and the professional activities and courses of all the clubs in the town.
Interview with Stella B. Kristinsdóttir, Manager of Leisure Activities at the City of Hafnarfjörður
Stella B. Kristinsdóttir is the manager of leisure activities for the City of Hafnarfjörður, and she works closely with the after-school clubs and youth centres that operate in all primary schools in Hafnarfjörður. She is one of those who oversees the organisation of a diverse and creative summer programme run by the town's leisure centres. Participation in organised activities promotes both well-being and social skills. This includes both activities run by the municipality and the professional activities and courses of all the clubs in the town.
Positive summer activities in all leisure centres
„As before, we will be offering a summer club for 7-9 year olds, run by the after-school clubs. Courses will be available at all after-school clubs from 14 June to 2 July and again from 4 to 23 August, which is a change from previous years when two central courses were offered in the latter period before the start of the school term. From 5 July to 3 August, a centralised course will be offered at Krakkaberg in Setbergsskóli, so there is something on offer from the after-school clubs all summer long.“ says Stella. The summer leisure programme includes a varied schedule consisting of creative projects, games, exercise, exciting trips, fishing trips, swimming trips and group events. „The programme can vary depending on which after-school club is chosen, so it's worth checking the schedule carefully and perhaps switching things up. The after-school clubs also offer a summer programme for nursery school leavers in August, where new pupils get the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new school, their after-school club and the immediate school environment, with the aim of increasing their sense of security and well-being at the start of their school career.“.
The Icelandic
Drawn, painted and modelled
The Harbour City, a cultural and arts centre, will be running art courses for children aged 6-12, where the fundamentals of art are introduced through exploring the environment, exhibitions in the museum and creative work. Projects will be created in a variety of media – drawing, painting and sculpting – with the aim of training visual attention, stimulating creative thinking and the children's personal expression.
From music workshop to experimental kitchen
The youth clubs in Hafnarfjörður are running courses in June for children who have just finished years 4 to 7, with the aim of keeping them active during the summer holidays, giving them the opportunity to meet other children, and offering interesting workshops to attend. The courses will be held at Lækjarskóli and Hvaleyrarskóli. „You can attend different workshops, from a music workshop to an experimental kitchen, and children can attend as often as they like for two weeks at a time. The courses have not been age-specific, but it is being considered to offer a special two-week course for Year 7 pupils to experiment.“ says Stella. Children in Years 4 to 7 with specific learning needs are invited to attend Summer Rock, where each individual's strengths and needs are worked on.
All activity and togetherness matters
„It is very important for our children and young people to maintain some level of activity and social life during the summer, just as they do all year round, and especially when parents and guardians are at work themselves. The City of Hafnarfjörður, its institutions, organisations and sports clubs run a diverse programme all year round, so everyone should be able to find an activity to suit them. Last year and this year, through summer jobs for students, we have created innovative roles where we are trying to increase access to leisure activities during the summer. The project has been about reducing isolation over the summer by offering a personal service and assistance with registrations. This summer, a special grant for children from lower-income households to attend summer courses was introduced, and we welcome the fact that this is helping to level the playing field for these families“ participation in sports or summer activities. The Hafnarfjörður Work Camp is an ideal platform for young people from the age of 14. It is a regular fixture, offering outdoor activities and the refreshing company of peers. With growing environmental awareness, sustainability and interest, the demand for the City of Hafnarfjörður's family gardens has been increasing, and it is a fantastic opportunity for families and others to grow their own vegetables over the summer.“ says Stella, who ultimately encourages everyone to take part in the summer reading programme run by the Hafnarfjörður Library, which concludes with a harvest festival at the end of the summer.
The article was published in Fjarðarfréttir, issue 1, 19th year, 26 May 2021.
Cover photograph: Gudni Gíslason