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Before, the corner of 119th street and Manhattan was a desolate vacant lot with no use to the community. One year ago this area was taken over by the Police Athletic League, who turned it into a state-of-theart facility that is capable of providing educational and recreational programs for the entire Harlem Community. Vivid colors of red, blue, yellow and green decorate this center providing a playful and enjoyable environment. Aerobics, Baseball, Girls Scouts, Gymnastics, Basketball and Karate are just some of the Programs offered by PAL. Working with youth and adults of all ages requires organization. Here is where Ms.Robinson comes in, she is the director of the after school programs at PAL. Robinson started off as a member of PAL when she was a child, so she has grown to become very familiar with this environment. Likewise, she is greatly appreciated by the people of the community. Keisha Hollington of Laguardia High School feels that Robinson is the heart and soul of the program, "Without Ms. Robinson this center would not run," said Hollington. Generally
speaking, there is a shortage of teachers in Harlem who put extra effort
into influencing the lives of their students. To the Laila Ali, watch out! PAL has a female boxing team that is none other than amazing. These Strong young women travel all over the world, from locations that span from Los Vegas to Europe. These potential world class boxers receive training from Olympic Chairman Julio Albino AKA "Salina". Aside from being involved in the Olympics, Mr. Albino trained acting stars such as Tony Danza of "Who's the Boss". With all of these talent's he could have easily ended up somewhere else, but instead he "appreciates being apart of these kids lives" just as Ms. Robinson does. Yanette Morales is one of the boxers who are under the instruction of "Salina". She is 19 years old and currently attends South Carolina State. Morales has only been boxing for two or three months, but appreciates the "Consistency, Believing and Achieving" skills she receives from training under "Salina". Yanette states that "My female friends appreciate what I'm doing because in the year 2000 women can be just as good as men if not better". With this attitude it is obvious, that "Salina" has implemented a strong structure for women boxers. "I don't THINK I have a good team, I KNOW I have a good team," said "Salina.
All
of these programs are maintained by people who love their jobs and work
for the kids and not the money. In addition, these classes only cost
$5.00 a year. In a world where nothing is free, $5.00 is a very small
fee for the excellent attention these children receive. The price that
is paid is equivalent to half of a movie ticket, lunch without a soda,
or three train fares and two pieces of candy worth $0.25. I recommend
anyone with determination and initiative to go to the Police Athletic
League and see what they can do for you. For
more info on pal:
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The face
of Harlem is changing everyday, providing new opportunities for many
of its inhabitants which will eventually put it into main stream America.
The Magic Johnson Multi-Cineplex as well as other major developments
will currently benefit the older people of the community but what
about the youngsters?
members
of this league, Robinson is an excellent role model, who identifies
with staff and students on a personal and professional level. The words
nine to five are definitely not in Robinson's vocabulary. Her workday
exceeds what is required and her job description covers a myriad of
activities.
"
Due to the rapid growth of the information highway, computer skills
are becoming a demand for the youth in today's society. The Police Athletic
League offers these skills, but instead of waiting until the kids graduate
from High School, six is an ideal age to begin learning computer skills.
Here, at PAL, they acquire the knowledge to use basic word programs
such as excel and power point. I walked into one room that was different
than the rest of the rooms because it was less noisy. I became nervous
because when children are quiet they are usually up to something, but
this wasn't the case. There was a room full of kids as young as six
playing chess effectively. One child's name was Jason. He attends this
class everyday and said, "I even got my mommy a check mate". Instructor's
such as Richard Peterson, who is 20 years of age and enjoys working
with the kids, teaches Jason skills that are utilized in a mature manor.
Even though working with children may get stressful he feels that young
kids are more enthusiastic than adults are.
