Brooklyn Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene on Tuesday joined with the Campaign for Children, youth advocates and hundreds of young people who previously attended summer camp programs in an effort to “save summer camp programming” for more than 31,000 students throughout New York City.
Eugene, who represents the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, said summer programs are “crucial because they offer children a safe space to spend the day and learn while their parents are at work.
“These important programs also give children a creative outlet, and youth who attended the event spoke passionately about their need for these programs, and even preformed dance routines to showcase the skills they’ve learned through summer programs,” said Eugene, chairman of the City Council’s Youth Services Committee, on the steps of City Hall.
“We must invest in our youth,” he added. “Summer programs should be a priority in our city’s budget. Our children shouldn’t stop learning just because it’s summer.
“We have to make sure that regardless of what season we’re in, our youth are provided with the educational and recreational services they need,” he added.
Tuesday’s rally was not the first rally Eugene has spoken at to promote summer programs. Last month, Eugene joined the Campaign for Children and youth leaders to advocate for summer program funding.
