Las Vegas Nevada recently issued the following announcement.
It’s been a busy school year for the Clark County School District as thousands of violent incidents have been reported at schools. In the last month three students were arrested in three separate assaults on teachers and staff at Las Vegas valley schools. The school district is taking steps to control the violence, but students and teachers are still feeling unsafe.
We had the chance to meet with some high school students that are part of our Batteries Included program. This youth initiative is designed to ensure Las Vegas teens reach their greatest potential by providing after-school educational activities focused on leadership, community service, career planning and college preparation.
“I think it helps for some students who don’t really think they have a purpose outside of school,” said Batteries Included participant, R Gondalez. “It gives students a chance who have free time after school to be able to be in a club and feel like they can make a difference.” Gondalez is the president of the Batteries Included chapter at her high school.
Batteries Included is offered at various high schools and middle schools throughout the valley. A group of Batteries Included participants from different schools came together recently to produce a video for National Youth Violence Prevention Week aimed at raising awareness for the issues youth face daily.
“I hope at least one person will be like, oh I’m not that alone in this world,” said Batteries Included participant, Jacob Guzman. “There’s probably at least someone else that’s experienced what I experienced and was able to move on from it.”
In the video the students hold up signs showing different challenges or obstacles that have impacted or affected their lives. One student holds a sign showing she’s been affected by violence. Another has a sign that shows he’s been affected by homophobia. The teens hope their message will reach students feeling anxious or upset over the recent violence at some schools in the valley.
“It’s happening a lot, especially student on student violence on their campuses and it’s uncomfortable for them,” says Batteries Included leader Tara Manor. “A lot of them are afraid or confused by it, and it harms the culture on campus and their school experience.”
The students that are featured in the video are just a few of the many kids that participate in the Batteries Included program. The teens get together regularly after school for fun activities and community service projects. They also receive support and guidance from Batteries Included leaders to help them choose careers and get into college.
“We have students from different schools coming together, so they are all able to discuss what’s happening at their school,” said Manor. “The teens gain a better understanding of what’s going on all around the valley and understand that maybe all of them may be experiencing some of the same things.”
What the kids seem to enjoy most about the Batteries Included program is the support and love they receive from each another, and their chance to make a difference. “I’m glad I’m able to impact my community in such a positive way,” says Guzman. “I think it’s very important to make the world or just even this little community better.”
Every child is welcome to participate in the Batteries Included program. For more information contact Tara Manor at 702-229-6113 or email tmanor@lasvegasnevada.gov.
Original source can be found here.
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