The organization that I selected was: Harlem Children's Zone (http://hcz.org)
When making my selection, I looked at a few different organizations and Harlem Children's Zone stuck out to me the most. What caught my eye when looking at this website was the slideshow of pictures, the fact that this orgnaization deals with children from birth to post college level, and that this organization sought a need and decided to do something positve about it.
"Harlem Children's Zone began in 1970, to work with young children and their families as the city's first trauncy-prevention program. This program works on a "Whatever it takes" attitude, when working with children to ensure they become successful" (2009, The Harlem Children's Zone)
One trend that really stuck out to me was the programs "Baby College". Baby College is a 9 week extensive program for individuals that are pregnant or raising a child ages 3 and under. Why I find this program interesting is both sides of the family receives the support; the parent(s) are in classes to learn about discipline, how to read, how to nurture, the long term effects of taking care of them both physically and mentally; with the same token the children are also attending and being cared for by high-quality professionals. The children are provided with activities and equipment that is age appropriate, the opportunity to explore hands on, interact with peers, and independence. At the end of this 9week program, the parents go through a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate. Because I am an advocate for assisting children and their families I do believe that individuals who commit and complete the nine weeks, will encourage them to proivde a better lifestyle than the ones in which they grew up in.
I also learned that this organization has many subdivisions underneath of them, and each one plays a vital role to child, families, and the community. Without this vision being acted upon, the city and surrounding cities of Harlem may still have been faced with the low economical poverty level.
Resources
2010, Harlem Children's Zone
Hi Sherell,
ReplyDeleteThis program is significant because; parents learn how to encourage their children to succeed; the children are getting the support they need as well. Sharing equipment for age appropriate children and showing them how-to interact with peers is a very important process of learning social skills. This program gives the parent and children hope for the future. To go all the way with these children through birth and college level, shows them they can have a positive future. Without organizations going into poverty stricken areas; providing hope for these children, in Harlem; is truly an amazing thing. The children can go on to show other children they can also succeed in life. Thank you for sharing with all of us this amazing organization.
Kathleen
Hi Sherrell,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the information you provided regarding the Harlem's Children Zone. I've recently read a lot of articles and watched a number of interviews about Geoffrey Canada, even one by our President, about the awesome work he's doing with the children and families in Harlem. The program he offers children to ensure they are successful and have the opportunities to attend college goes to show you how determination, innovation and hard work pays off in the end. This is a program that believes in doing whatever it takes to educate our children by empowering families and communities and I am a big fan of The Harlem's Children Zone and Mr. Canada.
Thanks Sherrell
Hello,
ReplyDeleteGreat selection on choosing your program! I have not heard of this program before, however I would love more programs like this in my area. Having this “Whatever it takes” attitude needs to be incorporated into all schools, not just urban schools. I feel that there is an extreme need for this program to reach a large amount of children, so that the means of education can be taken into about of reaching great success. I have family members in Chicago, and feel that this program will consists of helping out the school system while completing an entire reciprocal effect. Great Post!
Adrea Reavis
I just want to inform all that have commented on this post; there's a show that I watch on Saturday evenings at 9pm EST on the OWN Network (Oprah's channel), called Blackboard Wars. This organization that I selected:Harlem's Children Zone's motto "Whatever it takes" is very similiar to Blackboard Wars.
ReplyDeleteBlackboard Wars is about a High School that is based in New Orleans; which if any of you know is a very rough area to grow up in. The principal Dr. Marvin Thompson, plays no games and says what he means and means what he says. However, he displays a "Whatever it takes" attitude to turn the school around, gain the communities trust back, and educate the students despite the struggling and poverty-stricken neighborhood they live in. This show displays real life situations that occur, not just in New Orleans but all over the world that teenagers are faced with each and every day; such as gangs, shooting, teen pregnancy, drugs, disrespect to teachers and other authority figures, fights, and cutting school just to name a few.
This show is a must see, the finale episode comes on next saturday evening at 9pm EST; however, you can watch all the previous episodes at: http://www.oprah.com/own-blackboard-wars/First-Look-Blackboard-Wars-Sizzle-Video
I enjoyed reading your post and I found the Baby College very interesting. I think that more facilities need a program just like this because so many young women are having babies at such a young age at an alarming rate. Plus they are getting that extra support they need in order to raise that child.
ReplyDelete