Program areas at RAI
Headstart-the organization is the grantee with the american indian programs branch of headstart and operates two centers in rapid city and two centers in crow creek. The purpose is to operate a headstart program for native american children 4 to 5 years of age, and their parents, helping with the transition of moving from the reservation; as well as an early headstart program for children 0 to 3, and their parents.
Ateyapi teen pregnancy - committed to helping native american teens abstain from sex until marriage.
Ana language - preservation of the lakota language which is rapidly diminishing. Many native american parents have lost the ability to teach their children the lakota language. The language, when it is taught, is presented like a "foreign language". No system exists for children in rapid city to learn their native language at a young age, in a natural way. Our project is an attempt to remedy these circumstances.
Ateyapi yes program(youth engaged in sports)-the ateyapi yes program will use the social cognitive theory (sct) as the theoretical framework. This is a theoretical perspective in which learning by observing others is the focus of study. Basic assumptions applied to coaching are: 1. Coaches need to help learners believe in their personal abilities in order to learn and develop a new behavior. 2. They can reinforce learning by a positive response to a youth's performing a behavior and can provide environmental conditions conducive for improved self-efficacy by providing appropriate support and materials. Ateyapi yes coaches will serve as positive role models; not only to demonstrate consistent sports skills, and good nutritional practices, but to apply lakota cultural values in daily life.each coach will be stationed in one of the rcas (east, north, south, or west middle school.) They will facilitate afterschool activities three hours in length, four nights per school week. These sessions will include a healthy snack, transportation, if needed, to sport or exercise location, sixty minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise, thirty minutes in nutrition education including a talking circle, and transportation home. Fridays, school holidays, and summer sessions will be opportunities for special events, for example hiking at one of the sacred sites. Youth will self-log their physical and nutritional activities on weekends and report to their coach.