CHARLOTTE — Tuesday proved to not be just another day at University Meadows Elementary School in northeast Charlotte. School leaders and volunteers from Oak Grove Baptist Church men’s group held what they called a “clap in.”
Balloons, music and smiles lined the walkway for dozens of students as the group clapped for them on the way into the building, and offered words of encouragement.
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“Each of us has a gift and a talent,” said volunteer James Aslop. “All we are trying to do is encourage them to reach down deep inside and develop that talent. We want to let them know they can do anything they set their minds to.”
There is a special focus on young men and male mentors. Principal Bilal Tawwab told Channel 9 many of the students come from single-parent homes and they need to know that school is a safe space.
“It has a lasting impact to know their community is behind them,” said Tawwab. “It’s a simple gesture, but the goal is to create an opportunity for engagement and to impact students in a positive way.”
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Students and parents said they are on board with the message.
“This is something that I didn’t have growing up, so it’s great that the school is actually implementing that for the students,” said parent Rod Howze.
Organizers focused the event on fathers and young men, and they are planning something for women in the next few weeks.
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