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 Romario is
already thinking ahead to college. That's a big vision for a first-grader,
especially a child that struggled with all his subjects when the year
began. And especially for a child with parents who have only a basic
education and speak very limited English.
As part of
the free Youth Achievers Program, Romario receives skill-building, homework
help, and other activities each day after school and throughout the
summer. The YMCA Youth Achievers program is making a lasting impact
on 2,000 low-income kids in
Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana.
"Because
many of us parents don't speak English, we don't know how to help
our students with their homework," said
Mario, Romario's father. "I
am grateful for the program and how it helps the kids in our community."
In the YMCA
Youth Achievers Program, kids thrive in the supportive environment:
 85%
show improved academic performance
65%
demonstrate improvements in behavior and leadership
60%
gain a higher sense of self-esteem.
Romario likes
the YMCA program because he learns more than just what's in the books;
he learns how to be a good friend, take care of his neighborhood and
about careers he would like to explore when he gets older. Romario's
parents are grateful as well, "Romario
is doing better at school and he is learning to have better character," said
his father. "I wish there were more
people like these teachers who work very hard at their job with the
kids of the community."
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