THE
IMPORTANCE OF AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Written by: Dani Cronce – 05/02/2016 – 10:45PM
ET
The hours between 3-6pm are statistically the highest rated times for
children to be involved in violence. The rising amount of families with single
parents or two parents working is placing our youth in a vulnerable position.
Many children across the nation walk home to empty houses. What can we do to
fill their time with positive and quality after school programs?
We are at a time in our nation when the need for S.T.E.M.(Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math), is at its utmost. Building our youths’ STEM education is
needed, to make our youth competitive. These programs will help the United
States economically by making our nation competitive in the international
workforce.
Having more programs for our youth is one way to not only keep our
children out of trouble but also boost their ability to function more
aggressively in a competing market.
There is a local need for a safe and quiet place for our
youth to do their homework. This can be done through houses of worship or
organizations that are willing to open their doors to our youth.
I spoke with the American Civic Association on this
issue.
The ACA, is one organization that is working to address
this issue. They are working to have a computer lab open with help from
immigrants and volunteers as mentors. This can really help our children who
speak foreign languages. It is also beneficial for children who may not have
internet available at home.
Many organizations can be a light in their community. A
neighborhood will benefit immensely when they invest in their youth.
How does an after school program succeed?
After school programs broadest aim is providing regular
access to safe environments that offer positive impact in children and teens
lives. This can be done through volunteers or internships with both Binghamton
University, and S.U.N.Y.-BROOME.
Having teens, help mentor middle school, or elementary
children can be a successful route.
Many martial arts programs ALSO use peer mentoring. why
reinvent the wheel, when we have working systems already in place?
Another idea is to have businesses adopt a group of kids
who wish to learn a trade skill. We need to open up our minds to a different
way of thinking. What can we do for our community? Failure to act brings more
failure.
As City Councilwoman I am volunteering with youth this
summer, and next school year, in several programs.
I am also looking forward to setting up opportunities for
our disadvantaged youth to have some mentoring opportunities with the
Binghamton Police, through the VINES, community gardening program.
Growing up as a disadvantaged child myself, I know how
important positive mentoring can be to a young person.
I would not be where I am today without the leadership of
great role models. We can all be role models!
What about lack of resources?
The need to offer healthy snacks and drinks to students
is a reality. Do we really need grants? How many small bakeries and shops have
left over produce? Can grocery stores donate fruit?
We need to see our community as a family. Families need
to work together or they will be broken. Now is a good a time as any to stand
up as a community and work for a better outcome for our kids!
How many people have extra or used technology devices,
art supplies, school supplies, furniture or board games and books? Why not
donate them to an after school program?
Constant small donations can quickly add up to big
savings!
Please consider reaching out to a child. Be a mentor.
Wood News Agency, LLC
Binghamton, NY
http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/offenders/qa03301.asp
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