Almost a decade ago, a group of students at UIC decided to help enrich the educational endeavors of young kids and so they created what is now known as Project ESTEEM [Enrichment of Science Through Exposure to Experimental Models]. Now headed by student Anisa Isap, Project ESTEEM is already underway for the Fall term. Consisting entirely of UIC undergraduates, regardless of major and class standing, members prepare hands-on science experiments for children.
"We hope to ignite an excitement and curiosity in the children to the world of science and to also serve as a positive role model for them," said Isap, president of Project ESTEEM.
The children they meet with regularly to do these science experiments with are all from the Department of Children and Family Services shelter through Lydia's House. Lydia's House is a national, Christian organization that works to provide services for families and children in order to ensure that children receive the care and attention they need to develop healthily as individuals.
Lydia has been in existence for approximately ninety years and its main office is located on the northside of Chicago, and some of their services tend to matters such as foster care, child abuse prevention, counseling centers, preschool and alternative high schools in Chicago and Rockford.
Volunteers from Project ESTEEM visit Lydia's House every other Tuesday during the semester to meet with the kids who range from age 10-14. Every Tuesday in between sessions at the Lydia House volunteers meet in order to discuss and organize projects and goals for upcoming weeks. Though there are no minimum number of sessions required of volunteers to attend, those who wish to receive Honors Activity credit for their time are expected to attend both planning meetings and sessions with kids.
As of this year, there are twice as many volunteers than ever before in the past few years.
"We are going to be attempting more experiments. Since we didn't expect such a large interest, we are still working with a small group of children, but if the volunteers intend to continue being members of the group next semester, we will try to work with even more kids!" said Isap.
Those interested in getting involved with Project ESTEEM or the Lydia House may contact anisaisap@gmail.com or visit http://www.lydiahome.org for more details.
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