Over the last few years, I (Terence) have done extensive work in urban, inner city, Title 1 school settings. Not to pat myself on the back, but because often times these schools have tremendous need (whether educational, social, physiological, etc). And, sometimes the funding that is received by these schools (Title 1) are not enough to meet every academic and social need its community may have.
Recently, I discovered a “silent” epidemic that hasn’t gotten much attention! The epidemic is simply this–there are some students who attend schools (K-5) either improperly dressed, under-dressed, or wearing the same attire 3-4 times a week. This happens when a family does not have the resources to purchase new uniforms, clothes, or does not have the resourceful connections to provide for their children.
Guess what? When this happens, the child suffers, is sometimes embarrassed, lacks confidence, and disconnects with the lesson. Next year, our organization (#lovebeyondwalls) is going to put on a social campaign to resource schools across the country who have this problem among their students, and lack the means to address and supply these students/families with extra support.
If you are reading this, I ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we dream to connect dots to provide solutions for those students and families who need the extra help with “student attire” in grades K-5. We are advocates for education!
Terence
