iCON at the eMentoring Forum

On December 6th of 2010, iCON for Aboriginal Health began partnering with BC First Nations communities by holding a workshop at the eMentoring forum.

eMentoring is another initiative coming out of the UBC eHealth Strategy Office that aims to match urban and rural Aboriginal youth from grades 7-12 over an online platform with a mentor who is in University in the hopes of increasing Aboriginal student enrolment at a post-secondary level. eMentoring has a large partner group that brings an large array of talent and passion to the eMentoring project.  See www.ementoringbc.com for more info.

At the workshop, the iCON team listened while the eMentoring gang shared feedback and ideas for optimal adaptation of iCON for in Aboriginal community settings. The goal of the workshop was to undertake a needs assessment to ask, “what are some of the unique health priorities within your communities?” “What are some effective ways to deliver educational materials to address these health priorities?” Here’s what we learned:

– Health priorities include management and prevention of: Type 2 Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Arthritis, and childhood obesity and tips on managing a healthy diet and and exercise regime.

AND

– Resources should be innovative and allow for hands on learning

Thanks for the tips eMentoring team!