Bring after-school activities to kids
President Trump’s proposed budget would cut after-school federal programs for about 2 million kids, primarily in poorer neighborhoods. These programs have been a godsend for mothers who must work; they know their children are learning or playing in a safe place after school. Trump would dump these kids in the street.
We can increase, not decrease, the options for low-income kids in our cities — without federal funding, and without building costly new infrastructure. I call it Playgrounds for Young Minds.
In today’s economy, millions of children live in homes where their caretakers are away trying to make a living. After-school programs provide better choices once kids are out of class. Not only do these programs keep kids safe and off the streets, but they also provide educational benefits.
A good after-school program can help kids promote cooperation, support and respect. It can help kids feel secure about joining a game or starting a conversation, while also giving them time, help and space to finish their homework.
Using learning games and small groups can make learning more fun, especially for subjects like computers, math and science. Students can work together in groups to learn. A sympathetic staffer can lend a hand to remind students to act nice to each other. Arts options like drama and music help kids develop new interests.
After-school programs are more widely available than they used to be, but only rich parents can afford to send their kids to many of the best available options.
That’s where Playgrounds for Young Minds — essentially a mobile place for learning and recreation — would come in.
A PfYM unit would be a specially built mobile activity center and library. A typical unit could be the length of articulated buses now cruising New York streets. They could have three levels: a doubledecker bus, plus a play area on the roof where youngsters could get fresh air and sunshine. An architectural design contest could help arrive at the best use of space.
The beauty is the flexibility. When invited by the school or community or housing project, the bus would park nearby. Inside, PfYM healthy snacks and activities would keep youngsters aged 6 to 12 reading, entertained and constructively active in a social and safe environment.
Children in the play-bus could read books; play mind-activating games like chess, Go, Scrabble and math puzzles; study and complete their homework; and meet other kids with similar interests.
And there’d be space and resources to encourage group singing and other music activities. Healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and of course plenty of milk and water would be available.
Yes, it’s true: We have libraries and playgrounds. But many are run down, and many are not strategically located to meet the need.
A fleet of playbuses for afterschool programs is not only be much less expensive to construct than fixed buildings. It is relatively scalable and modular. Rising and falling demand through the seasons can be addressed — just park the playground-buses where they are needed most and where responsible teachers and administrators agree to staff and care for them.
This idea draws inspiration from the library program sponsored by steelmaker and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. His libraries enlightened, entertained and educated millions of Americans. Between 1886 and 1919, Carnegie's donations paid for 1,679 library buildings in communities large and small across America. Carnegie placed 66 libraries in New York City alone.
Federal budget cuts of afterschool programs are coming; we must do more than complain when they do. Playgrounds for Young Minds would be one way to counteract in part this misguided action — harnessing the power of philanthropy to create a mix of educational and recreational services for children whose parents must work.