GALVESTON — The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools will have its National Day of Social Action March and Rally from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at the Menard House, 1604 33rd St.
The rally will be in support of health care reform that includes comprehensive, affordable and seamless coverage for all children and pregnant women. State Rep. Craig Eiland, D-Galveston, officials from the University of Texas Medical Branch and youth from area freedom schools will speak at the rally, which will include a march.
In partnership with community-based organizations, like the Nia Cultural Center in Galveston, the Freedom Schools program was designed to boost students’ motivation to read, generate positive attitudes toward learning and connect the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities.
Nia was founded in response to a growing problem of youth violence in the early 1990s.
“Our nonprofit, community-based organization has provided family and youth empowerment programs for the last 16 years,” Sue Johnson, executive director of Nia, said.
In 2007 and 2008, with the support of the Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund, Nia launched the Freedom School, a five-week summer literacy, social action and parental involvement program for 100 youths from kindergarten to 12th grade.
However, the program is struggling to get the numbers needed to keep it in Galveston.
“The purpose of the CDF Freedom Schools is to create environments and provide support for children, youth and young adults to succeed and to nurture in them the belief that they can make a difference in themselves, their homes, their communities, nation and world,” Johnson said.
Nia Cultural Center has completed two years of the Freedom School program. This year, the program is suffering from a lack of sponsorships due to the effects of Hurricane Ike.
“We want to take the children on field trips every week, but we need more funding for transportation,” Johnson said.
The theme of the Freedom Schools program is “I Can and Must Make a Difference!” Each week, the curriculum focuses on making a difference in self, family, community, country and the world.
“Freedom Schools give children a place of reassurance and an opportunity to be children — even after a disaster, such as Hurricane Ike,” Johnson said.
The school also will feature “The Way it Was” presentations by elders in the community.
Wilina Gatson of Galveston, the first African-American to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, will be one of the featured guests.
Each week, each child takes home one book for his or her personal library.
“Freedom Schools offer a unique approach to help bridge the achievement gap between the disadvantaged children by offering culturally appropriate, alternative educational outlets that give children the experiences and exposure that the mainstream youth takes for granted,” Johnson said.
The program serves all children but targets low-income minority children and their families.
The program provides two meals and a snack for free to all Galveston Independent School District students.
It’s taking place daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Fridays at Weis Middle School, 7100 Stewart Road. Extended care also is available until 5 p.m. for children who need it.
To become a volunteer, enroll a child or to get information about donating, call 409-765-7086 or e-mail suejohnson54(at)hotmail.com.
For information about the CDF Freedom Schools program, visit www.childrensdefense.org.
