by KYW's Karin Phillips
One organization has been working in Philadelphia for more than four years to keep kids occupied during after-school hours -- the most vulnerable time for youth, and the time when they usually get into trouble or become victimized.
After-school Scrabble games and tournaments -- beginning with a major event at the main branch of the Philadelphia Free Library in October -- were latest of hundreds of after-school clubs created by the After School Activities Partnerships:
"Kids who play Scrabble see the consequences of their actions."
ASAP president Marciene Mattleman:
"They don't get involved in risky behaviors, and also they learn strategic thinking, which is so important. Everything about life!"
There are more than 700 after-school clubs -- mostly run by volunteers -- with more than 71 varieties of activity: 215 chess clubs, many book clubs, plus drama, filmmaking, comedy improv, yoga, and more.
"Kids in after-school programs show big changes in their lives -- better academics, better attendance, less likelihood to get involved with drugs, with alcohol, with early pregnancies."
Mattleman says the next step is forming physical education clubs to fight childhood obesity.
"For the future of this city, it's not just schools and not just libraries, but it's after-school programs; it's keeping kids occupied in safe, stimulating places that can really make a difference."
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