Reflections on KidsAction Coaching

By Md. Abul Kashem, 1st year, MDP student

My name is Md. Abul Kashem, and I was born and raised in coastal Bangladesh. I graduated with a Master’s in Sociology from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am doing my first field placement with the University of British Columbia, Kelowna campus, on the KidsAction Coaching program. 

KidsAction Coaching's approach is a holistic model. It provides personalized, child-centered coaching and resources for physical activity practice at home for children with neurodevelopmental and/or intellectual disabilities (NDID), such as improved motor skills and cognitive and social development. This evidence-based approach also promotes social interaction and a sense of community among children and families.

The objective of this project is to assess different ways for KidsAction to thrive in diverse communities and to develop a model that outlines the key steps and strategies that can be used with other Indigenous and rural communities. With an Indigenous-inclusive approach and a framework for developing and sharing knowledge that involves community members at all stages of the process, the project provides whatever is required to facilitate historical and cultural understanding, such as training, resources, and activities that are relevant to Indigenous recreation. The project also collaborates closely with provincial and community-level project partners.

My job here is to review the documents for the project through an Indigenous lens. As a preparation for my field placement, I have done 12 hours of training on cultural competency (Truth Shows Itself) conducted by Indigenous Elders. I have also completed the TCPS-2 course and additional courses for the workplace. I am also responsible for the environmental scanning of the KidsAction Coaching program in the interior BC areas. All the preparatory work and the assignment given to me have created an excellent opportunity to enrich  my  realm  of  knowledge  that  would  be  helpful  and  able  to  manage  this  type  of project/program. As time has passed, I've realized just how difficult it can be to work with NDID. I'm hoping the experience in the field will give me the confidence I need to work with Indigenous children at the NDID. In conclusion, it has been an honor and privilege to work with  the  KidsAction  Coaching team  at  UBCO,  Kelowna,  BC.  I  am  grateful  to  the  MDP program for helping me secure this placement.

Kashem with Dr. Lise Olsen, Researcher Co-Lead, KidsAction Coaching, Associate Professor, School of Nursing (Faculty of Health and Social Development), UBC Okanagan, Kelowna Campus