For over a year I've bee fortunate to tutor students through School on Wheels. The mission of School on Wheels is "the enhancement of educational opportunities for homeless children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Our goal is to shrink the gaps in their education and provide the with the highest education possible."
School on Wheels was started by Agnes Stevens, a retired teacher, 1993. The LA Times repots that 13,500 students were homeless in the Los Angeles Unified School District last academic year. School on Wheels helps to combat effects of homelessness on these children by enlisting the help of volunteers to literally take bring school on wheels. Tutors meet students in shelters, group homes, motels, and on the streets.
In my personal experience, I've tutored three students at three different shelters in my local area. My first student, a 12-year-old male, left his shelter suddenly in between two of our sessions to move to another location. Without a chance to wish him well, this was a real wake-up for me on the unpredictable day-to-day life of these kids. Another student was a 6-year-old female who, studying through the eyes, mind, and imagination of the 6-year-old, brought much joy to every one of my weeks. She made every lesson fun just by her good nature and always made me feel at home in her "home." And now I tutor a 15-year-old male whose gentle demeanor and good work ethic brings him much success in school. Tonight he took great pride in showing me his powerpoint on his travel assignment. His destination of choice: Hawai'i. On the agenda: 7 days, 6 nights at a great hotel, eating at restaurants galore, diving to see sharks, snorkeling, sky diving, swimming with dolphins, and much more. Everything is possible.
It's wonderful to learn through these children - their perspective continues to teach me!
Please read this article featuring SOW from this past Saturday's LA Times.
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