In addition, many of Samaria's children who are ordinarily model students are finding it difficult to concentrate and absorb their studies during these stressful times.

The Department of Social Services of the Samaria Regional Council currently operates five After-School Therapeutic Learning and Activity Centers. These centers each provide auxiliary and supplementary learning in a warm, nurturing environment for a maximum of 15 children in first through sixth grade.

Upon arrival, the children receive a hot meal or nutritious snack, and then tackle their homework under the guidance of a certified teacher or a trained paraprofessional. During the afternoon, each child also receives a tutoring session.

When the learning is over, the fun begins. After a hard afternoon's work, the children participate in games and other social activities.

The learning centers are housed in caravans or apartments provided by each community, which also pay the center's utility bills. The Department of Social Services employs a coordinator for the centers. All of the centers currently need computers, tables and chairs, games and sports equipment. Often, these essential supplies need to be updated and resupplied.

We are turning to you to help us maintain these centers which are so essential to encourage our children to learn and develop in a warm and safe environment. The atmosphere in these centers also helps our children to better cope with the stresses of life inherent in these turbulent times.

Here is how you can help…

ONE After-School Therapeutic Learning Center	Cost ($ = US)
Yearly costs	.
Hot nutritious lunch for 15 children each day	$10,600/year
.	.
One-time costs	.
Tables, chairs and bookcases	$2,500
Library	$2,000
Games	$2,000
Computers and printers (3)	$5,000
Air conditioners/heaters (2)	$4,500