Local Program Takes hands on approach to helping students

BALTIMORE - Many of us have heard the African Proverb, "It Takes a Village to raise a child."  This is the goal at Edgecombe Circle Elementary Middle School.

The program, "It Takes a Village," teamed up with the school and Park Heights Community to support the youth.

"We believe in It Takes a Village to raise a child and we know that students cannot be successful if there are difficulties at home and their families are having problems.  If their communities are falling apart, we want to be there to help," said Larinda Fields, Executive Director with It Takes a Village.

The afterschool program is open to students in first through fifth grade Monday through Friday.  It provides help with homework and offers tutors.

Students also learn to cook, play drums and dance routines for exercise.  There is always plenty to keep them busy.

"I like to play dodge ball and bingo.  We enjoy the games and have lots of fun," said Briyel Smith, fourth grader.

Educators want students to dream big and achieve their goals.

"It's so important because as the economy goes on there are so many resources like the recreation centers that are closing to our students.  It is important to our community that we do have a resource that is reaching out," said Lisa Calicchia, Teacher at Edgecombe Circle Elementary Middle School.

Nearly 60 students are enrolled in the It Takes a Village afterschool program.  Educators say since the program began, they have seen an improvement in academic performance of students.

The program also offers workshops and seminars for parents and support groups for grandparents of Edgecombe students.