Generally, within educational establishments, students have a purpose, to learn, to know, to develop.  Studying requires time and effort, which consumes most of the time within the school day, but, is there a time when students can relax? Where those newcomers can learn more about the school? Where those curious students want to learn more about cultures and customs?

This is how an after-school space for boys and girls known as C.U.T.E CLUB (for girls) and LILO (for boys) was developed within Liberty High School for Newcomers, with the aim of helping students both academically and personally.

Most will wonder about the difference in the creation of the two clubs. According to Mr. Segura, who is an authority within the institution, he told us the reason why the LILO Club came first during these 3 years.  He said the following: “The boys’ club had a purpose from its beginnings, which was to help boys so that they could have help academically without any worries.  This is because statistics showed a decrease in the academic progress of boys, which made it difficult for them to advance and continue on to university.”  This is why Mr. Segura gave his support to the club and over time, it was created for boys where they could express themselves, have fun, feel safe and even be more extroverted.

The girls’ club, C.U.T.E CLUB, was created 4 months ago directed by Ms. Polanco and Ms. Segarra, who did everything possible for the opening of the girls’ club after a year of waiting. They were thrilled when they received the news that the club was going to move forward. Ms. Polanco said, “Apart from being happy, it was so unreal, did it really happen? It was a lot of emotion and a lot of feelings and nerves, good nerves, even butterflies, because every time we do something, we reach a goal and it is filled with a lot of joy to provide the club for the girls.” According to Ms. Segarra, “The main objective of the girls’ club is for girls to have a space where they feel safe and healthy to talk about personal things or things that are happening around them or in the world, where they can give their opinion, and express themselves without fear of being judged.”

We are lucky at Liberty High School to have both clubs to support our students.