Hello, I am Matthew Tavarez a student at Is.77 Joseph F Quinn Intermediate School in Queen's. And This is my story. Newspaper Club and Debate Team, once thriving platforms encouraging critical thinking and creativity, are at risk due to severe funding cuts. After-school programs like these play an invaluable role in fostering a nurturing environment that reinforces learning and builds students' confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Yet, our children are being deprived of these life-enhancing experiences due to dwindling support and resources. Studies conducted by the Afterschool Alliance show that participation in after-school programs can drastically improve children's academic performance and reduce risky behaviors (Afterschool Alliance, 2018). The dismissal of such crucial programs is an affront to our children's education and development. We implore the authorities to take immediate action and give priority to restoring funding to these after-school programs. Sign our petition and let's make a strong case for investment in our children's future.  I am creating this petition to ensure that our students have a recreational space before begging there parents to take them somwhere they can not afford.