Program Stresses Learning Activities

Six-year-old Briana, like most children her age, would rather draw than do her homework. But on a recent afternoon, she picked up her pencil with a sigh and tackled a math work sheet.

Her reward?

A warm smile from Amita Padhiar, a woman who alternately acts as teacher and peacekeeper at an after-school program called Project Learn at Monrovia’s Boys and Girls Club of the Foothills.

Of the roughly 300 children -- ages 6 to 14 -- who attend the program, most come from families struggling to stay afloat, Executive Director Bob Monk said.

Administrators hope to provide an environment where children are encouraged to do homework, play sports and games, watch movies or tap away at computers. Staff and volunteers routinely ask about each child’s grades and gingerly inquire about their situations at home.

“I’m looking for the broader picture,” Monk said.

In one case, a 13-year-old boy from a troubled home came to Project Learn several years ago and showed staff members his report card, which had one D amid a sea of Fs, Monk recalled. This year, that same youngster has netted A’s and one B.

“Part of what we do here is say, ‘Hey, good job!’ ” Monk said.

When the children arrive at the club, many trot directly upstairs to Padhiar’s classroom in a two-story building on the edge of a city park on Shamrock Avenue.

Here, Padhiar zips from one child to another, discussing algebra with one and the difference between the words “explain” and “inform” with another.

“To draw out the best in a child -- that’s my goal,” Padhiar said.

Her charges are often restless, eager to finish their homework. One afternoon, several children pleaded, “I need help.”

Padhiar moved among them, cajoling one girl into reading her assignment before starting it. She showed Briana how to count on her fingers. Then she squelched a squabble between two boys.

Four afternoons a week, Padhiar works with the children, monitoring homework. On Fridays, most of her charges eat ice cream and watch a movie in the downstairs recreation room, which is also equipped with two pool tables and two Foosball tables. Fridays are also reserved for field trips and guest speakers.

Project Learn received $10,000 this year from the Los Angeles Times Holiday Campaign, which raises money for nonprofits in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

During the school year, the program is open every weekday from 2:30 to 7 p.m. In the summer, a full day of activity is available. Each child is asked to pay $15 for the year, but scholarships are readily granted to families who can’t afford the fee.

Children who attend nearby schools usually walk to the facility. Vans shuttle others.

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