Because of the pandemic, a lot of families and children are suffering more than they used to. For all of us to overcome this situation, community programs are needed to help bridge the gap. Children are the most vulnerable in this situation because they are unaware of what is going on.
If you want to help those struggling kids in the area, here are some programs that you can consider doing for your neighborhood.
Recreational Classes
Studies all around have supported the idea that arts and other recreational classes have huge benefits to kids. It stimulates their minds and teaches them social skills as well. Studies even found that arts and other similar classes improved school engagement and writing ability in middle school children. Sadly, not all families can afford to enroll their kids in classes. What you can do is provide community-sponsored activities for impoverished children in your area.
More than just the academic benefits of these activities, things like these are a great way to boost their mental health. Low-income children often experience additional challenges that they face every day. These activities can serve to brighten up their lives and give them an escape from their situation.
If money and costs are an issue, you choose classes that generally have low expenses. Music and dance lessons are good choices because they do not require a lot of equipment. All you need is the right space and maybe a few speakers or music equipment. Joining competition can be another way to secure funding to sustain these classes.
Public Play Areas
For children who can’t afford toys, free fun activities are critical. Public parks and play areas benefit everyone of all ages and economic statuses. It also has a positive impact on the community because it can also increase the entire community’s property value. The majority of people also see parks as an essential part of government spending.
Public playgrounds are a great way to promote an active lifestyle in children. Instead of being at home in front of their phones, they can go to playgrounds and interact with other kids. The fresh air will also be good for their physical health. Those with lots of plants will also improve air quality in the area.
The good thing about playgrounds and parks is that they are low-maintenance. You will need to spend for the initial cost of construction, but the rest is minimal. When building play areas, ensure that the ground beneath is not made with non-impact material such as concrete. Rubber mats are the best choice, but sand is also good because it is less painful when kids trip.
Scholarship Programs
A good way to spend government money is by providing scholarships to kids. Education is getting more and more expensive, and many hardworking kids cannot afford to go to school. This project also reinforces the importance of studying and educating the youth.
More than just securing the funding, there is quite a bit of work that needs to be done to set up a scholarship. For one, you have to decide fair criteria to determine who can receive it. It has to be reasonable and fair for all the participants. The official guidelines and instructions need to be written down for others to refer to.
Depending on the amount, certain paperwork will be done as well. Determine whether there will be legal issues and tax guidelines required.
Donation Drives
The simplest of community programs are always the most effective, and you can never go wrong with a donation drive. Low-income families often struggle with getting basic necessities, so giving away essential items will make a big difference. Among the items you should give away, basic necessities such as food, clothes, and toiletries are a good start.
Many kids have to share clothes with other siblings, and in some cases, they repair holes in their clothes. What you can do is either start a fundraiser or accept donations from other people in the neighborhood. However, it is important to inspect the donated items carefully. Damaged or completely unusable clothes are not worth giving away, even for a good cause. Make sure that you wash the items before giving them to the kids as well.
You can also try to get other kids involved by starting a donation drive for toys. This is especially good during holiday times. Many kids go their whole lives without having any toys. Stuffed animals, action figures, or dolls that are just collecting dust can be included. It never hurts to get some gender-neutral toys such as balls as well.
