Elementary School Program Director Cory Chimka learns from Rwanda's vision

This past month I spent nearly two weeks in Rwanda with a small group of teachers hosted by SEVEN Fund (the Social Equity Venture Fund). The object of the fellowship was to study Enterprise Based Solutions to Poverty, their successful implementation in Rwanda, and their implications for K-12 education here in the United States.

When most people hear Rwanda mentioned, they immediately think of the horrible and devastating genocide that took place in 1994. But what’s as astounding as those horrific 90 days when roughly 1,000,000 lives were taken, is the amazing, unlikely reconciliation and renewal that’s taken place since.

In July of 2000, His Excellency, President Paul Kagame, laid out Rwanda Vision 2020 after a comprehensive consultative process building broad consensus among Rwandans of their hopes and dreams for the future. The ambitious plan called for reduction of aid dependency; building a knowledge-based economy; creating a productive middle class; fostering entrepreneurship; eradicating HIV and AIDS; ensuring 100 percent enrollment in primary and secondary schools; and providing universal access to quality healthcare.

All by the year 2020.

2011 sees much of the vision realized, and Rwanda has become not only an example for developing countries, but for the world.

When it comes to gender equality, good governance, economic development and environmental sustainability, Rwanda is no longer compared to its neighbors in Africa, but with the likes of China, Singapore and Costa Rica. The self-determination and collective responsibility of the Rwandan people can be observed throughout the country, and are credited for the great strides the country has made.

The Rwandan people and their government refuse to let the rapid development leave anyone behind. In fact, it is the most vulnerable populations that are identified first and best cared for. By concentrating on real and sustainable solutions to poverty, refusing to apply band-aid solutions to local and national problems, and by doing small things right from the beginning, Rwanda avoids many of the large problems we see every day in Washington, DC, and throughout urban America.

I am eager to share the lessons I have learned in Rwanda, beginning with a new curriculum on entrepreneurship and its natural links to service-learning and environmental sustainability.

Our students have learned through DC SCORES’ service-learning component how to look critically at their communities and include stakeholders in effecting positive, sustainable change. I believe we have a new responsibility to be more deliberate in teaching them ways they can turn these and other skills into greater educational and employment opportunities in the future, ensuring their seat at the table in deciding what the future holds for their communities, themselves and their families.

These are but a few of the many lessons that we can learn from a small, under-resourced, landlocked country in Africa that from many public policy standpoints has surpassed the U.S. in but 14 years since a devastating tragedy took Rwanda as a nation back to square one.

DC SCORES alumni enjoy being mentors as summer camp counselors

(From left): Dave M., Claudia M., Diana B., Jhoana H. and Raul M.

Written by Avery Lord

DC SCORES intern and Soccer & Arts camp counselor

DC SCORES summer camps would not be possible without the generosity and hard work of the volunteer counselors. This summer, five previous DC SCORES participants were matched up with the summer camp at H.D. Cooke Elementary School through the DC Summer Youth Employment Program.

(The Summer Youth Employment Program is administered by the Department of Employment Services and provides DC residents ages 14-21 with subsidized employment opportunities in the private and government sectors.)

Through a combination of paid hours and volunteer hours, these five DC SCORES counselors have been an integral part of the success of summer camp this year.

During a brief break from a typical busy camp day, I was able to ask them a few questions about their experiences this summer and get insight into their connections with DC SCORES and, of course, the art of step dancing that the campers were learning.

The five counselors working at H.D. Cooke are Claudia M. (age 15), Dave M. (age 18), Diana B. (age 16), Raul M. (age 15) and Jhoana H. (age 14).

Where did you participate in DC SCORES as a student?

Claudia – Marie Reed Learning Center

Dave – Fletcher Johnson Education Center

Diana – Bancroft Elementary School

Raul – Thomson Elementary School and Jefferson Middle School

Jhoana – Oyster-Adams Bilingual School

Why did you decide to stay involved with DC SCORES this summer?

Claudia – I stayed involved because I enjoyed playing with DC SCORES. I remember how many volunteers there were when I played and I liked it so much that I joined the program as a volunteer.

Dave – Because I figured it was a fun program because I was in it before and I remember always having fun.

Diana – Because I think DC SCORES is growing so it’s fun to see the new activities that they have now that they didn’t have when I was in it.

Raul – Because I enjoyed the poetry because it helped me with my writing skills. DC SCORES also helped me with soccer. I used to kick with my toe, but then I had a teacher in eighth grade that taught me how to kick with my laces.

Jhoana – If it weren’t for DC SCORES, I probably wouldn’t be so outgoing and so athletic. I decided to participate because DC SCORES has helped me.

What is your favorite part about being a DC SCORES summer camp counselor?

Claudia – The bonding part and the fact that the campers not only see me as a counselor but as a role model as well.

Dave – It’s a new experience. It’s a challenge, too, and I like new challenges.

Diana – Doing all the activities with the campers and definitely playing soccer too.

Raul – Actually it is helping me learn things from the kids that I didn’t know. Also, (I’m) learning about their personal lives and learning how to help them.

Jhoana – Well, just impacting the children’s lives. Just playing a role in their lives.

Is volunteering with DC SCORES something you could see yourself continuing to do?

Claudia – Yes, because I like working with kids and I consider soccer one of my passions. It’s been a great experience getting to know the other counselors, too.

Dave – Yes. It would be because it’s a fun experience and soccer is one of my favorite sports and also I like being a good role model for the campers.

Diana – Yes, absolutely, because I think you always learn something new so it’s a good experience.

Raul – Yes, because I’ve enjoyed DC SCORES and I like how they organize the camp. I like organizing events and going to camp because I get to participate as well.

Jhoana – Yes. I can see myself doing this. It’s fun and I get to spend time with kids. I adore kids.

What is the most challenging part of being a DC SCORES camp counselor?

Claudia – Getting to know all the kids and keeping track of all of them.

Dave – Just showing the same amount of attention to all the campers.

Diana – Patience is a big factor, but you also have to relax and sit back and have fun with the kids.

Raul – Trying to find ways for the kids who don’t want to participate to participate.

Jhoana– At times the campers don’t like listening to counselors so you have to try to control them as best you can.

What are your thoughts on step dancing?

Claudia – It’s a pretty cool way of dancing, but for me it’s hard to learn. It takes time and practice.

Dave – It’s tough.

Diana – I think it’s a good way to stay active.

Raul – I actually like it. I like step dancing, it’s fun.

Jhoana– It’s complicated. It’s hard to coordinate your feet with your hands at the same time.

Throughout the summer, these five counselors have built strong relationships with each other and with the campers. Many of the campers view them not only as counselors, but as role models, proving how beneficial alumni are to the DC SCORES program.

Highlighting our Inspired Art Gala student performers: MacFarland Middle School

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a performance from the 2nd Annual Inspired Art Gala, held May 18 at the Corcoran Gallery of Art! During the Gala, seven individual poet-athletes and one team put on tremendous performances for the audience of DC SCORES supporters. Learn more about the annual Gala on our website.

The first performance of the night came from seven MacFarland Middle School students -- Idris R., Keon K., Sarah C., Jondri P., Blen G., Lizbeth E. and Yakaira P -- who performed their now-famous song "Pass you the Ball."

The song came to be last October, when The Great Unknown, a Philadelphia-based country-alternative band, visited MacFarland as part of the ASCAP Songwriter Residency @ America SCORES.

During three afternoons, the students collaborated with the group to create, sing and then record at a professional studio “hEaRt rHYthm LuV sOUnd." The students then made it their own, changing the name, practicing tirelessly and performing it to win first place at the Poetry Slam! in December.

And just last week, The Great Unknown released the commercial CD "Other Voices, Other Doors" featuring MacFarland's original song (buy it, watch The Great Unknown video version, read the blog).

So you know it's good!

See more DC SCORES videos, including summer campers step dancing, on our YouTube page.

Tubman soccer camp participants shrug off the heat, focus on improving

Standing under the sun’s rays on the hottest day of the summer, Emily C. smiled and didn’t skip a beat when posed the question:

Have you thought about not coming to camp because of the heat?

“No,” said Emily, who is going into fifth grade at Tubman Elementary School. “I never have second thoughts when it comes to summer camp.”

And that was that.

Emily wasn’t in the minority, either, last week on Tubman’s hot turf field. Despite triple-digit temperatures in the area, the DC SCORES soccer camp continued on — with many precautionary measures and water breaks — because participants kept coming, eager each day to learn new soccer skills whatever the weather.

“It’s better than doing nothing at home,” said Christian L. of Tubman. “You’d just rather come outside and play in the heat.”

The experience isn’t merely an alternative to listless days of being inactive. During the first three weeks of the camp, which concludes this week, around 140 students from roughly 30 area elementary, middle and high schools have come to improve their soccer ability.

DC SCORES staff members and counselors have taught students new skills, led them through drills such as keep-away, and, of course, mixed in confidence-building games like Power Finesse with scrimmages.

Program participants from the school year haven’t been the only kids attending. The free camp has attracted students from schools all over the city.

“I think it’s really good because it teaches you a lot and it makes you work hard in the hot sun especially,” said Charlie Z. of Annunciation Catholic School as he practiced shots on goal.

“So I think people who don’t know about this should come if they want to learn about soccer.”

For the younger participants, the camp presents an opportunity to get better playing against older, more seasoned campers.

“I like learning new things and knowing that I can get better at soccer going against middle schoolers,” said Tubman’s Kara B., who is going into fifth grade.

Perhaps just as importantly, the camp has indirectly taught participants how to take care of themselves in the extreme heat and still have fun on the soccer field.

“Drinking more water and trying to jog around the field a few laps,” said Kara, explaining how to deal with the heat.”And then drink more water because the water gives me more energy when it circulates through my body.”

Added Emily: “I just dump water on my head!”

Women's soccer no longer obscure? Let's hope not

Written by Amy Nakamoto

Executive Director

As I watched the brilliant match between Japan and the U.S. on Sunday, I had oscillating emotions of pride, fear, sheer joy, and shock.

I am a fan of the women’s game. I never stopped being a fan since 1999. I never even stopped being a fan since the storied 1991 team.

Even in my utter heartbreak from the result on Sunday, I feel a sense of optimism that what we were all a part of that day MAY endure in some substantial way . . .

I feel incredibly proud, and I guess relieved, that the level of play displayed was of the highest caliber, men or women, that I’ve seen in a long time. The technical ability, speed of play, strength of tackles, and tactical sharpness of both teams had to impress even the biggest detractors of women’s soccer.

I am relieved because Sunday’s game unveiled to the world what us fans have known for years: that women’s soccer is a force, it’s worthy of attention, and those women should be DONE trying to prove themselves for the game’s sake or for the sake of every girl who will follow in their footsteps.

As the game’s popularity has waxed and waned since 1999, I have seen the collective effort of passionate players, owners, coaches and general managers try to make two professional leagues work in the US — the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), which crippled after three seasons and the loss of millions, and still-operating Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).

The Washington Freedom of the WUSA and WPS played in the DC area through the 2010 season. On that roster, among many other U.S. and international stars, were Abby Wambach, Homare Sawa (Japan), Lisa DeVanna (Australia) and Sonia Bompastor (France). These four displayed some of the best skill during this year’s World Cup and were their countries’ stars. (USA),

The Freedom, with all of this star power, averaged less than 5,000 fans per game in two seasons.

Even more incredibly, the breathtaking and utterly jaw-dropping play of Marta (five-time FIFA player of the year) has been displayed on two teams (the L.A. Sol and FC Gold Pride) that were not able to support enough of a fan base to sustain their existence.

Are you kidding me?

To market WPS, players and teams had great attitudes and strategies that involved numerous local player appearances, volunteering in the community, working with clubs, and in our case, Wambach judging the DC SCORES Poetry Slam!. These women cared so much about making the league and the game popular, they weren’t picky in how their ‘stardom’ was used as, sadly, they were relatively obscure in the larger landscape of professional sports, let alone soccer.

Whatever the measure we take from Sunday — which, with 13.5 million viewers in the U.S., was the highest-rated ESPN soccer game EVER, men’s or women’s, and set a world record for Tweets per second (7,196) — my hope for the sport is that we have crossed a line, reached a tipping point.

I wait with bated breath, hoping these U.S. (and international) athletes will no longer be obscure.

For the first time in my life, I want a group of athletes to be ‘unavailable’ — unavailable because they don’t have to be their own promoters; unavailable because they are garnering so much attention that they must discriminate in their commitments and endorsements; and unavailable because they are busy playing in a thriving league that does not have to reduce the number of franchises or games played just to prevent owners and sponsors from losing significant investments into the game.

There is an intensity to these moments and weeks after the World Cup for me that almost mirrors the intensity of the WWC championship — I read all of the promising articles and I’m twisting, willing, wanting this popularity to push the women’s game out of obscurity, just the way I was willing and wanting to push the U.S. to victory on Sunday.

I can only hope for a different result for the game at-large.

Amy Nakamoto was a four-year varsity soccer player at N.C. State and coached the women's soccer team at Bryn Mawr College for three seasons.

Highlighting our youth poets: Noyes Education Campus

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a school's performance from the 13th Annual Poetry Slam! During the two-night event, each of the schools DC SCORES serves got the chance to perform original poems and songs. (This is the final week!)

The second night of the Slam!, Noyes Education Campus made a sterling Poetry Slam! debut, quickly shaking off any first-time nerves. Noyes' poems about bullying and a recipe for peace were a couple of the night's most heartwarming and funny.

Check out Noyes' poet-athletes on stage!

View all the DC SCORES videos -- including new summer camp videos -- on our YouTube page.

The Great Unknown releases album featuring MacFarland poet-athletes

Way back in October, MacFarland Middle School students couldn't have imagined what would come of a three-day visit from a band named The Great Unknown -- who were they, anyway?

Today, the Philadelphia-based alternative-country group released "Other Voices, Other Rooms" -- a CD featuring five songs the group collaborated on with America SCORES sites.

The album features “hEaRt rHYthm LuV sOUnd,” a track created and produced last fall by the MacFarland poet-athletes during the ASCAP Songwriter Residency @ America SCORES. The band is donating 100 percent of proceeds to the program. 

MacFarland's students enjoyed creating the song so much, they practiced it for weeks and turned it into their own "Pass you the Ball," which they performed at the Poetry Slam! -- winning first place for middle schools -- and the Inspired Art Gala. 

You can visit the iTunes store to purchase the DC SCORES-produced music. (If you’re not sold, listen to the video above and/or listen for free to any of the five tracks all week.)

Other Voices, Other Rooms – also available on The Great Unknown’s website at whatever price you name – is the first commercial selection of songs produced by the ASCAP program, which launched in 2006 and has previously released promotional compilation albums. 

Coach profile: Dareese Tolson, C.W. Harris Elementary School

Dareese Tolson, C.W. Harris Elementary School

Writing coach

How long have you been with DC SCORES?

Two years.

What’s your other job within or outside the school?

I am a social worker in Virginia.

How did you get into education or start working with youth?

I am currently working on a Master’s in Special Education. I was referred to DC SCORES by a friend who was coaching and thought I’d enjoy it.

Why did you choose to work for DC SCORES; what attracted you to the program?

It was the combination of poetry and soccer. I love literature. I love reading. And a program that got kids involved in that, too? I had to be a part of it.

Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what do you enjoy most about it?

Watching the students’ transformation from the beginning of the year, not being that into poetry, and then by the middle they are creating their own performance pieces, practicing, getting really jazzed, and then after the Poetry Slam! they are so proud of themselves.

Why is DC SCORES important to the school and the students it serves?

Well, it’s particularly important at a school like C.W. Harris because there aren’t a lot of resources, and the school and community have a hard time filling the void of after-school programming. Without DC SCORES, my kids aren’t going to get introduced to soccer. They aren’t going to get introduced to poetry. And they aren’t going to get the chance to participate at something like the Inspired Art Gala and perform their poetry at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

Was there an experience you had growing up that pushed you into education or toward doing a program like DC SCORES? Were you in a similar program?

I was very involved growing up. I grew up in Southeast DC and there wasn’t a lot going on, but my mom had us involved in our church, girl scouts, any program that was available. You know, I kind of have this dream that I can make life better for kids than I had, and I feel like I am doing that by coaching with DC SCORES.

What’s your favorite DC SCORES event & why?

OF COURSE, Poetry Slam! hands down! The kids are so excited. I am so excited. It’s just the best!

What’s your most memorable DC SCORES experience?

This year’s Poetry Slam!, because previously I coached at Bancroft and there is a very different ability level between the two schools. But to see my team be so organized, have a common goal, and be jazzed on poetry and literature was just the best thing ever!

Who is your favorite athlete?

Ronaldo, because the kids love him … and he’s hot. Ha ha ha!

Who is your favorite singer or poet?

Poet: Sandra Cisneros. Singer: Adelle.

What is your favorite food?

Enchiladas

Highlighting our youth poets: Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson

NOTE: Each week, we are featuring a school's performance from the 13th Annual Poetry Slam! During the two-night event, each of the schools DC SCORES serves got the chance to perform original poems and songs.

The first night of the Slam!, Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson made its Poetry Slam! debut and represented very well, introducing the school to the audience with the song "We are Shaw."

Check out Shaw's poet-athletes on stage!

View all the DC SCORES videos -- including new summer camp videos -- on our YouTube page.

African drumming, pool time and soccer: Soccer & Arts camp is in full swing

Written by Avery Lord

DC SCORES intern and camp counselor

DC SCORES Soccer & Arts camp has been underway for two weeks at H.D. Cooke Elementary School, and more than 40 kids have shown off their diverse talents in the arts and on the soccer field.

Each morning, campers congregate in the gym, some coming from morning summer school and others from home. We then split up into our teams (red, orange, green and blue) and prepare to play team activities/board games or go to the art room.

If I’ve learned one thing in the past two weeks, it’s that you can’t beat a 10-year-old in the game of Memory (or at least I can’t!).

During the first week, MacFarland Middle School writing coach Ms. Blackwell led art projects in which campers described themselves through words and images. Campers then joined together to make a poster describing their week at camp. The orange and green team’s poster depicted campers playing on a soccer field surrounded by words such as “fun,” “respect,” “awesome” and “unstoppable.”

Last week at camp, we switched it up from visual art to music and campers learned about West African music through African drumming lessons. They all had the chance to play the drums while also learning a song in Susu, the native language of Guinea.

Toward the end of the week, campers that were skeptical of singing out loud earlier in the week had the “Kuku Way” song stuck in their heads. On Friday, the orange and red teams performed for the camera to make a YouTube music video (coming soon!) of the drumming and singing.

Although campers really enjoyed the art projects and drumming, daily afternoon soccer practice was the favorite part of the day for the majority.

“Because it’s fun,” 7-year-old Yao said. “Because it’s soccer.”

Yao’s answer points to why we incorporate soccer into everything DC SCORES. It is such an inherently fun and simple sport that, with just a ball and two goals, can simultaneously entertain, create a team atmosphere and provide important physical exercise for kids when they might otherwise be sedentary at home during the summer.

“Because it’s fun, athletic and it makes me stay healthy,” 9-year-old Justin C. said of his love for the game.

Campers enjoyed weekly games of World Cup, Power Finesse and full team scrimmages in which they split up into their team colors and played it out for the championship.

Weekly field trips to the public pool were also necessary to release some energy in the water and get out of the mid-90 degree DC summer heat! The blue and green teams also took a field trip to 826DC, where they got to write their own endings to a story and print out their personalized books!

One thing that really caught my attention as a coach was the number of kids attending summer school at H.D. Cooke who came up to talk to me upon seeing my DC SCORES T-shirt. I had countless kids tell me they were in DC SCORES during the school year and ask how they could come to camp and/or sign up for programming this fall — already!

Talking to campers was a testament to the positive image DC SCORES has gained among young District students. Working at summer camp has been such an amazing and rewarding experience. And it wouldn’t be possible without our Summer Youth Employment Program volunteer coaches as well as H.D. Cooke for allowing DC SCORES to use its facilities.

Note: There are still four weeks left of Soccer & Arts camp. During the next month, DC SCORES will have a “Summer Camp Reporter” on hand at H.D. Cooke twice a week so that we can tell you, first-hand, about the enriching, energizing activities campers are engaging in.

The Century Council highlights Executive Director Amy Nakamoto for lifetime commitment to helping youth

This summer, The Century Council is highlighting its 20th anniversary of promoting healthy, safe lifestyles for America’s youth. As part of the celebration, it is honoring 20 individuals nationally “who have committed their careers and lives to our country's youth, health, safety, and fostering lasting, positive change.”

DC SCORES Executive Director Amy Nakamoto was chosen for making such a difference.

Nakamoto is being honored alongside the likes of United States Senator Tom Udall (D-New Mexico), one of several high-ranking politicians featured; former U.S. national women’s soccer team captain Julie Foudy; and Olympic gold medalist speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno.

Not bad company.

In May, Nakamoto met with The Century Council (TCC) while watching a DC SCORES middle school game to discuss what makes her passionate about having an impact on the District’s youth.

“One of the most amazing gifts we can give a young person is the gift of a team with supportive coaches and a safe emotional and physical space,” Nakamoto said.

“I believe that every child should grow up with experiences and activities that foster creativity, passion, a healthy lifestyle, and concrete skills that will carry them through to adulthood. A positive team is the glue that binds those experiences together and allows young people to develop confidence and character.”

Since Nakamoto joined DC SCORES in 2006, our program has grown to become the largest after-school provider in the District, serving more than 800 students at 26 schools — 19 elementary schools and seven middle schools. This was after she helped shape lives as a college soccer coach and created a student-athlete leadership program, and she has stressed sportsmanship and teamwork through the Positive Coaching Alliance and other organizations for over a decade.

Most importantly, Nakamoto — like the Century Council in its battle to fight drunk driving and underage drinking — is never satisfied, knowing that there are several more schools and students in the District that would benefit greatly from DC SCORES programming.

The Century Council has been a tremendous supporter of DC SCORES, including recently donating $1,500 to our Couch to Camp campaign to fund our ongoing summer camps. We are extremely appreciative of the positive attention such a well-established, accomplished organization has given us as we strive to expand and make as big a difference in the District as possible.

“Our partnership with The Century Council is incredibly important for general outreach to youth and I think that Ask, Listen, Learn and the overall message TCC is promoting is really about how to treat oneself and how to make smart decisions,” Nakamoto said.

To view Nakamoto’s profile and watch videos on what inspires her, visit the Century Council's "20 People to Watch" website.

Coach profile: Cassandra Wilkins, Raymond Education Campus

Cassandra Wilkins, Raymond Education Campus

Writing coach

How long have you been with DC SCORES?

Three years.

What’s your other job within or outside the school?

Teacher, mother, friend.

How did you get into education or start working with youth?

I've always wanted to be a teacher. My mother was a teacher for over 30 years and that is all I have known to do.

Why did you choose to work for DC SCORES; what attracted you to the program?

I was approached to work with the students with the poetry program and was curious, so I became involved with the program.

Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what do you enjoy most about it?

The students’ enthusiasm with their writings and the fun of playing soccer. I love the camaraderie of getting together and sharing their poems, and the experience at Starbucks (readings).

Why is DC SCORES important to the school and the students it serves?

It gives the students a chance to learn and play at the same time. They learn about teamwork and working together for a common goal.

Was there an experience you had growing up that pushed you into education or toward doing a program like DC SCORES? Were you in a similar program?

I have aunts and an uncle who has retired from teaching. As I stated before, my mother taught for over 30 years before her death. I've been surrounded by this field all of my life.

What’s your favorite DC SCORES event & why?

The (Poetry) Slam! is one of my favorite events with DC SCORES because it gives the students a chance to express what they worked so hard to achieve throughout the program. They realize that what they are doing is important and worth the work they put in by experiencing this event.

What’s your most memorable DC SCORES experience?

When the students won 1st place at the Slam! (this year). They were very proud of themselves. Also, when James Peters, a previous player, went to NY to go to the (National Stock Exchange) to recite his original poem (at the National Poetry SLAM!).

Who is your favorite athlete?

My son Calil is my favorite athlete. But a well-known athlete that I really liked watching play is Michael Jordan.

Who is your favorite singer or poet?

A favorite singer of mine is Jill Scott. The rhythm that she expresses in her music is so melodic and meaningful.

What is your favorite food?

I'm ashamed to say it's junk food. But I love my country soul food. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, BBQ ribs, etc...