Issue 3: Autumn/Winter 2017
Daily living costs, Education for children and young people, Support for Freemasons and families
New skills and fresh experiences
Afterschool clubs and weekend classes are a great way to keep children busy and entertained, but did you know they are also a fun way to learn new skills and gain fresh experiences?
A recent study of more than 6,400 children found that as well as achieving more at school, children who take part in extra-curricular activities develop a number of social, emotional and behavioural skills including:
Time management
Children learn how to juggle different tasks and commitments through afterschool clubs, weekend lessons and practising activities in their own time.
Teamwork & leadership
As children play or work together outside the classroom, they learn to support and share their own ideas to help and guide others.
Confidence
Mixing with new or existing friends in a productive environment helps children to strengthen confidence and independence.
Commitment
When a child joins a club, they sign up for that activity for a specific period of time – this teaches important lessons about committing to something for yourself and your team.
Creativity
Through extra-curricular activities, children can immerse themselves in fun, hands-on activities that go beyond what they learn in the classroom.
Keeping active
Extra-curricular activities burn energy through physical activity and build healthy habits that can benefit children throughout their lives.
The study, carried out by the Institute of Education at University College London, showed that activities outside the formal school day could help close the attainment gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and those from wealthier families.
However, the study also found there were still inequalities as many low income families struggle to afford the costs associated with sports clubs, private tuition or music lessons.
At the MCF, we promote independence and improve wellbeing for families through grants to cover daily living expenses. For the families we support who have children under the age of 25 and in full-time education, we also encourage opportunity by providing additional grants to cover the cost of extra-curricular activities.
The John Family
We have supported Chris, Marina and their children Tanya, Natasha and Rhys during a difficult few years following Chris’ redundancy.
Chris: “When things started to get hard for us financially, my wife wanted to seek help, but I was stubborn. Then, things became even harder and that’s when I picked up the phone.
“As well as helping us to pay our bills, the MCF covered the cost of gymnastics, dancing and swimming lessons for the children. All three are doing really well because of the classes – especially our son, Rhys. When he first joined gymnastics, the coach told us he had potential but his fear and lack of confidence were holding him back.”
“Now, aged 8, he helps other children in the preschool class and just won silver in his first competition.”
Marina: “To any families out there, I would say, one minute you might have everything and then the next minute it could all change. If you are struggling, please pick up the phone.”
