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Actual Link: http://www.hcz.org/index.php

**-Geoffrey Canada on Helping Harlem's Children-**
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 * Get a general idea of what Harlem Children's Zone is** by watching this you-tube video. The president of Harlem Children's Zone, Geoffrey Canada, introduces the organization. He basically talks about what made them start this children-supporting program, what were the overall plans in order to make this organization effective and successful 10 years ago, how the organization is doing today, and future targets.

Basic Information/ Ideas of HCZ
Harlem Children’s Zone Project rebuilds a community in order to let the children stay on track in means of education; in other words, to help them get through college and a job afterwards. Their main goal is basically to create an enriching environment with supportive neighborhoods and college-oriented peers. In January 2007, the HCZ project has expanded to nearly 100 blocks of Central Harlem; moreover, President Barack Obama called for the creation of “Promise Neighborhoods”.

The HCZ began with the Baby College, which is a group of workshops for parents with children of age 0-3. Not only those, but best programs for children of every age through college are included as well. These programs are consisted of in-school, after-school, social service, health and community-building programs. Additionally, the HCZ program works for both the Promise Academy charter schools, which are operated by the HCZ, and the public schools in the zone.

One of the common thoughts among the members of HCZ is the family relationship. They simply believe that children do well as family relations are closer. This is the main reason why HCZ focuses mainly on community-building, and strengthening families; these ultimately have positive impacts upon their children’s development. One other thing they work on is reweaving social fabrics of Harlem, which were torn apart due to poverty, and crime.



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I. Improvement in math skills


All of the third graders at HCZ Promise Academy II scored above or at grade level in the standardized math test last spring. Previously, all of the Promise Academy I third grade students scored higher or at grade level. This highlights the effectiveness and success of supporting children.

II. Chess champions from Children Harlem's Zone


During the HCZ Chess Festival 2009, 78 out of 106 children won trophies; moreover, at the Super Nationals in Tennessee, where over 5,000 players attended, there were number of outstanding results. Malik Perry took 23rd place in the K-12 open division and the 21st place was given to Kikosi Nkulueko. Last year April, at the national chess championship in Dallas, Chamari Johnson, Mouminatou Barry, and Aisha Camara won the top three places in the tournament. Additionally, Madrina Parilla won the individual competition and received $65,000 scholarship. In overall, the HCZ team have received five trophies in Dallas and 85 more during 2008.



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This youtube video shows President Barack Obama giving out his speech on Harlem Children's Zone. In his speech, he mentions the importance of children care, and thus emphasizes that the HCZ project should be supported. He asserts that if poverty is assumed as a disease that infects the community, they can't just treat this with isolation, therefore the organization where children care, health care, and education is guaranteed, should definitely be supported and that the citizens should start giving attentions and care to the neighbors, just like the HCZ.


 * iMovie for presentation

Critical Thinking Questions**