When it comes to helping kids in their community gain literacy, some very encouraging adults in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio are taking a very different approach . . .
Nick Baynes, AKA “Nic Da Barber,” owns That’s The Cut barbershop that is unlike any other shop or salon in the area by helping community kids become more literate by learning in a safe, judgement-free space, where life lessons are intentional and direct.
Baynes shares, “When you walk through the door, you’ve [got to] speak. If you don’t speak, I am going to tell you to go back outside and try again.” He continues, “Down on the West End, it is much needed to help out kids with their literacy. Learning different verbs, and how to speak to people.”
It’s not just about the haircuts.
Kids come in and read books out load to the barbers, who are able to help them if they stumble on any words. With every hair cut, the youngsters get further and further in the books they read without getting caught up on any words.
Everyone in the barbershop takes on the responsibility of being someone in these kids’ lives, being an adult that cares for them and fills in the gaps.
There’s also positive incentives for good grades at That’s The Cut barbershop, like a couple dollars for earning A’s on report cards.
“Reward them, you know? A couple dollars, be able to take them to another level and help them for that next quarter to get better. They love it,” says Baynes.
An added bonus at the shop is that the neighborhood kids get to see role models they may not have the chance to otherwise, like Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovanni Bernard.
It doesn’t end at the barbershop, though — Baynes and his staff collect books and school supplies to distribute to the community as needed.
(MSN)
