after-school programs

Wu-Tang Clan member and solo artist Raekwon, who grew up in the low-income housing complex of Park Hill in Staten Island, NY, is involved in a new not-for-profit, Children's Literacy Society, to help the kids of his community.  

"It's definitely needed because it's so rough in my neighbourhood that we worry about these kids and we try to give 'em as much hope as we can," Raewkon told www.samaritanmag.com.

"It's just us trying to give them a sense of direction from a older big brother or big sister point of view and really just try to commend them when at least they're trying."

Children's Literacy Society provides funds and resources for after-school enrichment programs, such as reading, writing, sports, music, art, dance and nutrition, for at-risk children in Staten Island with a concentration in Richmond County.

"Our goal is to instill confidence and motivation in children to become productive and successful individuals," it states on the organization's web site. "CLS develops, guides, nurtures and supports our future generation with respect and dignity; collaboration with local schools and organizations to connect our programs with families, we continue to be able to 'give a child a chance.'"