Free School Uniforms from Clothe The World Foundation

Monday 07th of September 2009 04:45:01 PM

One thousand low income students in Birmingham, Alabama in the United States received free school uniforms thanks to a joint effort between the city and the Clothe the World Foundation. Mayor Larry Langford has a city division called Division of Youth Services which focuses on the needs of the city’s youth. He was instrumental last year in obtaining free laptop computers for all elementary school children. The youth services division offers many programs designed to help city youth succeed in school and the community.

School uniforms consist of printed t-shirts, slacks, skirts and shorts. For many low to moderately-low income households the cost of new uniforms each year is a major expense. That is why youth services partnered with Clothe the World Foundation to help eligible families obtain the necessary school clothing. Eligibility was determined based on income and parents had to bring proof of income. Documents accepted included earnings statements from their place of employment or letters from government social services agencies.

The parents registered with youth services and were notified when uniforms could be picked up. The partnership between the Clothe the World Foundation and the Birmingham Mayor’s Office is another example of how governments and social organizations can work together to insure students are given equal opportunity to succeed in school. Uniforms have proven to be highly successful at equalizing students in terms of social status and thus enabling students and teachers to concentrate on learning and instruction. In the long run, the cost of uniforms is much less than the cost of buying current fashions each year thus saving households a significant amount of money during the school years.