Taylor, an eighth grade student at Carlton Village Public School, credits the skills he’s learned to the Junior Chefs’ Club, one part of the “Beyond 3:30” after-school program run by the Toronto District School Board.

The program began in 2009, and is designed for students between Grades 6 and 8. It’s now in 18 schools across the city.

Between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. every school day, students take part in different activities — ranging from a homework club to cooking and nutrition classes — along with an hour and a half of sports and games.

“Every step and every piece of confidence they build — we see these children blossom,” said Catherine Parsonage, executive director of the Toronto Foundation for Student Success. The group works to address issues of hunger and healthcare for school-age children.

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