I have been reviewing the website for The Harlem Children's Zone. A piece of information that caught my eye this week was how the Harlem Children's Zone was making a difference in two different housing developments. There were two housing developments where they did not feel that children were being reached and were not taking advantage of what they had to offer at their centers. So, they decided to come to them. They have brought homework help, ACT/SAT study groups, as well as theater and cooking groups on-site to the housing development. Whereas many of these children might have missed out on these opportunities before, they now have these resources at their fingertips. i also found it interesting that many former children, now adults, are giving back to this community. Different organizations gave them a lift-up and instead of just moving away to a better neighborhood, they are giving current children a lift up. The video can be accessed at: http://www.hcz.org/media/hcz-tv?task=videodirectlink&id=53
I also learned about the HCZ Promise Academy charter school for three year olds. They offer classes on the weekends for parents of these children who have won a lottery to attend. Yes, they had to win a lottery to attend. I find this sad and an example of economics at work. the fact that some children will not "win the lottery" and be able to go is so sad. So, so many of the children in this area need this desperately and it's sad that more money can't be made available for all of these children to have a head start. For the parents of children who have won the lottery, Saturday classes are offered to teach the parents about child development, language skills and development and parenting skills.
This website offers so much information and insight on inner-city youth and the ways this organization is trying to make a difference. If you haven't viewed their site, I highly recommend it!
Hey Rachel,
ReplyDeleteIts so good to see adults who come from poverish neighborhoods or communities and give back to the future generation of children. So many times people who live in poverty areas, get out of poverty and never look back to the neighborhood. However, I beleive that we should all pay it foward by giving something back to our community if we have the resources and finances to do so. If is just mentoring a child or being a tutor, we should always be a role model to our children. I think that the programs that are being offered to help the children with educational resources is such a wonderful idea in the housing developments . I am so interested in learning more about the Harlem's Children Zone.
Good post and I really enjoyed it!
Hi Rachel, I like the idea of the help coming to students in their home. The students are learning and gaining self-confidence. Also, I believe the housing development residents feel a sense of proud when others in the community come out to do something positive.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Andrea Cureton
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the video, I also liked the idea of giving back to the community and children. The other website that talked about lottery winners and the only way to take advantage of it's service is to be a winner is very sad. Children need to be taught that their are all kinds of winners. Being priviledged to educational opportunities is a winner in my book. Nice post.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteIt is such a good thing that people give back to the community that they were raised in and that the disadvantage children were reached by these people. I agree that it is fortunate for those families who win the lottery for the HCZ program, but you’re right. What about the other children and families who deserve that same attention? This sounds like a very informative site. Thanks for the information!
Arica
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteGreat post; thank you!! I think we all should be mentors for all students. I think this is a wonderful opportunity!
I find it sad that only children whose family wins the lotterly can be part of the program; I agree with you, what about the other children who needs this opportunities as well? They all deserve to have that!
I will begin digging into this website! Thank you for the wonderful insights!
Susan