At BASICS International, we recognize that the challenges children face extend beyond the classroom. For many children in underserved communities, the hours spent outside of school are fraught with risks and hardships. Our "Provide a Safe Haven for Children When Not in School" program is a vital part of our mission, ensuring that children remain engaged, safe, and supported even when they are not in school.
This program is crucial for ensuring school retention. By offering a secure environment where children can continue to learn, grow, and receive essential care, we help prevent dropouts caused by external pressures. Many of the children we serve come from difficult backgrounds where they may be responsible for finding food or are at risk of exploitation, including being forced into work or, tragically, participating in sex trading just to secure a meal. Our program offers them an alternative—a place where they can receive nutritious meals, participate in enriching activities, and simply be children.
This year, we took our program to new heights by teaming up with COSI (Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio). COSI sent six of their best engineers and scientists to give our children an experience of a lifetime. Through hands-on activities and interactive learning sessions, our children were exposed to the wonders of science and technology in ways they had never imagined. This collaboration enriched our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs, providing our children with access to cutting-edge technology and sparking their interest in fields that can shape their futures.
However, our vision extends even further. We have the potential to help even more children once we complete the development of our 8-acre site in Shail Hills. This expanded facility will allow us to accommodate more children, offer more programs, and have an even greater impact on the community. With additional space and resources, we can provide a haven for many more children who need it—a place where they can learn, grow, and be safe.
We are committed to making this vision a reality, and with your support, we can continue to provide these life-changing opportunities. Every child deserves a safe place to go when school is out, and together, we can ensure that they have it. Let’s keep them in school, keep them safe, and help them build a brighter future.
