The Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) has launched a Black Literacy Program in its Early Learning Program. The program aims to build positive male role models in the lives of children that the Center serves.
Each month, black male staff members will read a children’s book to their assigned classroom and engage with the students. The program seeks to promote multicultural awareness, diversity, and literacy among the income constrained children of Delray Beach.
“The students seem so focused on the book and eager to learn about diversity. It moves me to see how excited they are to hear the story,” said Alfred Williams, Support Services & IT Administrator. “Give a child a few minutes of your day and it could make the difference of a lifetime for their future.”
According to statistical data by ELP, nearly one-fourth of American children live in single-mother families. Of the children living with their mothers, 35 percent of them never see their fathers. Additional data suggests that male role models play a pivotal role in children’s physical and emotional development as well as their overall confidence. With this in mind, ACCF decided to create the Black Literacy Program. The objective of this program is to provide male mentorship and advocacy while improving educational outcomes for underserved children.
“It is a wonderful experience reading to the children once a month. There is nothing like seeing their eyes light up when I read,” said Leslie Hussey, Head Chef. “It makes me so happy to be seen as that male figure to the kids. There is no better feeling than seeing the joy a simple story can bring them through our engagement. I know all of our team is looking forward to seeing the lives impacted through our work.”
About Achievement Centers for Children & Families
At Achievement Centers for Children & Families children are involved in Early Learning (Toddler and Preschool), After School, Teen and Summer Camp programs that help prepare them for academic and social success and inspire them to discover their talents. Our families are served through our Family Strengthening and Economic Stabilization services which benefit the community by stabilizing families in crisis; supporting them to serve as the foundation of their child’s growth. Family strengthening services are embedded within our four core programs of Early Learning, After School, Teen and Summer Camp. ACCF serves hundreds of local children and families each year from three locations in Delray Beach: Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy, and Pine Grove Elementary. For more information, call (561) 266-0003 or visit www.
