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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lawrence R., Student at Global Learning Collaborative
7:09:43
ยท
141 sec
Lawrence R., a junior at Global Learning Collaborative, testifies against budget cuts to NYC DOE school's special education programs. She emphasizes the importance of these programs for working families and student development, drawing from personal experiences and his family's reliance on after-school programs.
- Highlights the crucial role of special education and after-school programs for working families and childcare
- Shares personal experience of benefiting from after-school programs, which helped him develop academically and socially
- Urges the city to prioritize schools, support working families, and ensure resources for every child's success
Lawrence R.
7:09:43
Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to testify today.
7:09:46
My name is Lawrence Rodriguez and I am a junior at the Global Learning Collaborative.
7:09:51
As part of the generation citizen civics program that we partner with, I am here today to share my concern on the budget cuts to NYC DOE school's special education programs.
7:10:01
As the eldest sibling in my family with one younger sister and a brother, I have seen how crucial these programs are, not just for education, but for working families as well.
7:10:10
My mother, like many parents, depends on schools and after school programs where kids are able to do their homework and participate in fun activities while being provided with a safe, structured, and fun environment as she works as a home attendant and takes care of daily responsibilities.
7:10:26
Cutting funding to such programs will result in countless families like mine struggling with fewer options for childcare, education, and support services.
7:10:35
This will be devastating to my family.
7:10:38
Additionally, these cuts will harm students' learning and development as many children rely on early education to build foundational skills.
7:10:48
Personally, I experienced most of my elementary school journey in The Dominican Republic and in Puerto Rico, but I can say that although I didn't get to experience the early education programs in this city, the after school programs I was able to be a part of did play a role in my academic journey where I was given support for my homework assignments but was also able to develop new hobbies and a love for the arts, which is why I applied to the school that I now attend.
7:11:12
Without these programs, kids will be joining school unprepared, making the transition harder, and widening the achievement gap.
7:11:19
Pro programs like this, I believe, have played an immense role in helping me become the honorable student I am now, to have the courage as a 16 year old to testify in front of the city council.
7:11:31
Moreover, I believe the clubs and after after school programs that I've attended such as Model UN, mock trial, and student government have also helped me academically and socially, providing me with an opportunity to come outside of my comfort zone and really put myself out there while also gaining knowledge and an experience that will help me shape my future.
7:11:49
If the goal is to invest in our city's future, then I believe cutting funding from education is the wrong move.
7:11:55
I urge the city to prioritize our schools, support working families, and ensure every child has access to the resources they need to succeed.
7:12:03
Thank you.