SRC and Campus Recreation makes a difference tutoring at K.I.P.P.
Over the course of the past year students from the Student Recreational Committee and Campus Recreation decided to step up and make a difference in the community. More important, they wanted to make a lasting impact not just a one day volunteering event.
After hours of deliberating they decided to implement a tutoring program. Through various contacts they were able to build a relationship with K.I.P.P. West Philadelphia. On a weekly basis 6 students traveled to 60th and Baltimore to tutor inner city 5th graders. This program was such a huge success that they have decided to make this program an annual community service project.
Below are a few testimonials from students who participated in this very special program.
"The children at KIPP are from low income families and they have not had an easy childhood, so I think this experience is beneficial to both the children and me. What I like most from this experience is how eager the children are to learn and how happy they are to be at this school. When I was their age, this was defiantly not the case. This has showed me to appreciate everything you have because there are people that are not as fortunate. This experience is also teaching me responsibility for another person. Some of the children do not have a steady mentor in their lives and being able to dedicate a few hours a week constantly goes a long way." Mayur Daftari - 4th Year
"I decided to tutor at KIPP because I have been looking for a volunteering opportunity that I feel strongly enough about that will keep me motivated enough to go every week. I enjoy working with children and think that every kid has the ability to rise to their fullest capability if they have the opportunity and motivation to do so with positive people in their lives to help them get there. KIPP is an excellent program that is really helping to mold these kid's future in a very positive way. These kids at KIPP are so motivated and are so enthusiastic to learn that going there every week is very enlightening and refreshing to see. I absolutely love going to KIPP every week and the experience is definitely worthwhile. It is very rewarding to tutor these kids and how they look forward to our visits weekly. I am learning from a lot from this experience." Riddhi Patel - 6th Yr
"Ever since starting the Student Recreational Committee at USP, raising money for charity has always been a goal of ours. When Marc mentioned that KIPP is a school that gives kids a chance to receive a good education, I figured they were the perfect fit to receive these donations. When given the opportunity to actually have some face to face time with these kids, I was ecstatic. It is important that as a child is growing up, that he or she is surrounded by positive things that can aid to the development of a hard working, honest adult. I have always wanted to be part of a Big Brother program, so this seemed right up the same alley. So far, the experience has exceeded expectations. I honestly feel that coming once a week has already made an impact on my student’s life. The importance of these tutoring visits doesn’t come from teaching the students how to multiply or spell certain words the right way. The importance comes from helping them develop their learning skills and to teach them the real meaning behind working hard. The KIPP program is a great opportunity for these students, whether they fully understand that or not" Jack Korbutov - 6th Yr
