Rafael's Story
Rafael just won the “most improved” award in our After-school Program! Thanks to his teacher’s close attention to his individual needs, Rafael went from being a fast-talking, trouble-making second grader, to a hard working, spirited student.
Seven-year-old Rafael was the kind of child that most would label as troubled. Talking a million miles a minute, he never sat still and seemed to delight in the distraction he could cause around him. Teachers would call to him multiple times to get his attention before he would look at them. When Rafael first came to the After-school Program, he refused to bring his backpack with him – containing his homework. Para Los Niños’ After-school teachers identified that he needed more personalized attention, so they worked with him one-on-one. And, more quickly than anyone anticipated, Rafael discovered an enthusiasm for learning. Soon, Rafael was participating fully in the After-school Program. Rafael even began helping other students with their homework. For his efforts, Rafael won the program’s “most improved” award – a turn of events that left Rafael and his mother in tears. As Rafael’s teacher said, “Now that is what this job is all about!.”
Fast Facts
In 2007, over 583,000 people in Los Angeles County lived in extreme poverty
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87% of children of immigrant families in Los Angeles County are U.S. citizens
