As part of an ongoing project this semester, members of the Service for Peace Club dedicate their time to assist with after-school programs at Roosevelt Elementary School and the local YMCA. This project, which is ongoing each week during the semester, Monday through Friday, encourages members of Service for Peace, as well as other clubs and UB students, to give their time on any weekday from 3:30 to 6:00. Students act as role models for elementary-school aged kids.
Projects at Roosevelt Elementary School and the local YMCA have similar programs that strive to both enrich and entertain children in Bridgeport. Both programs include activities such as help with homework, time for physical activity and games, as well as access to a computer lab.
The administrators of both programs welcome the volunteers from the University of Bridgeport. The program coordinator at the Roosevelt School, Dr. Kirkman, greatly appreciated Service for Peace’s help during a two week trial period in December and hopes that their help and new ideas will continue to better the program for the kids this semester and in the future as well. Hiroshi Takarada, program coordinator for the YMCA youth program, also expressed his appreciation for the volunteers from Service for Peace and hopes that a long-term relationship can be achieved with the YMCA through this initial volunteer project. Service for Peace members hope to eventually establish common ground between the two programs by organizing joint projects for the kids involved. One tentative activity would be to bake cookies for a nearby retirement home.
The Service for Peace members also have positive aspirations for the programs as stated by Service for Peace secretary, Nathan Breland, “Taking the role of an elder brother in these kids’ lives is a very deep experience. Basically, in taking a small step to assume the responsibility of an elder brother, you are filled with a strong desire to just take care of them and give them love.” Furthermore, members Lillie Kirkley and Asha Dadlani are hoping to speak with Dr. Kirkman on how to make the Roosevelt program more structured. Both sides agree that the program needs to be more organized in order to foster a positive environment for the children.
Service for Peace also hopes that other UB clubs and students will get involved in this project. Service for Peace vice president, Christian Carrillo, announced an invitation at the House of Representatives meeting on Wednesday, February 9th from Service for Peace to other clubs to join them in the Roosevelt Project. Also, it is not only clubs that are encouraged to join these projects. If you are a student who aspires to help the youth of Bridgeport, then contact Service for Peace at x4015 for more information.
University of Bridgeport
Sunday, July 13, 2025