Kids’ Club has been a proud supporter of the Asociacion de Familias Hispanas de los Tarrytowns (“AFHT”) for many years, so it was a real joy to visit the program again this month and see it still going strong! This program, run by the Tarrytown school district, helps develop vital literacy skills in underserved youth and their parents in our community. It runs three times a week at John Paulding school, and provides opportunities for parents and young children, working together, to become exposed to developmentally appropriate educational activities, as well as enriching social and cultural experiences.
On the night we visited, over 20 families were in attendance. They enjoyed a sing-a-long name game, being read a Valentine’s Day tale, assembling Valentine’s card craft kits, working in English language coloring books and with an alphabet board, music, dancing, and dessert! Two teachers lead the program and six volunteers from Sleepy Hollow High School assisted, some of whom had grown up coming to the AFHT and stayed connected to the group through siblings in the program, and then their own volunteer work.
All-in-all it was a well-attended, very busy, and joyful evening. Everyone seemed delighted to be there and participation in activities was high. Some families shared with us that the lessons and relationships their youngest children are exposed to through AFHT are invaluable as they enter the greater school population, providing instant friends and more confidence. That was certainly music to our ears, and we are grateful to have such a robust and successful program in our community.