I was failing first grade when my school counselor referred me to INMED’s Family & Youth Opportunity Center for tutoring and help with my homework. I was so tired every morning at school that I just put my head down on my desk and fell asleep. My mom cleaned offices at night and couldn’t afford a babysitter, so I would go to work with her, sometimes until 10 p.m.
When I started attending INMED’s after-school academic enrichment program, it felt like a fun and safe place to be. I rode their bus to the Center with kids from other elementary schools and made friends. My tutor and other volunteers at the center were very nice and gave me snacks, so I would have energy to get caught up with my school work. They made learning fun, with exploding volcano science experiments and art projects that I could take home to my mom. I even started doing my homework without being asked.
My mom also started taking INMED’s skills development classes at the Center, so she could get a better job during daytime hours. Now I’m doing well in school, and my mom and I have more time to do fun things together.
If you would like to help children like me do better in school, please support INMED.