The Tutoring Program was launched by the Redemptorist Partners in Mission under the leadership of the former Parish Priest Fr. John Olenick, on March 19, 2022. The goal of this initiative is to provide educational support, mentorship, and guidance to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve academic success. It involves recruiting dedicated volunteer tutors, securing suitable learning spaces, and developing a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the children’s needs. The program focuses on core subjects, such as Mathematics, Science, English, and life skills. The children gain valuable knowledge and skills in areas such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These skills are essential for their personal growth and future success. Throughout the duration of this initiative, we witnessed substantial positive changes in the lives of the children, and it is evident that this worthwhile initiative should continue due to its significant impact.
“Being a tutor in the Redemptorists Community’s Tutoring Program has not only allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of these children but has also taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of education. Witnessing the students’ progress and witnessing their increased confidence and enthusiasm for learning has been incredibly fulfilling,” says Mr. Marwan Tohme, a tutor.
The impact on the children has been encouraging. There has been academic progress, increased confidence, enhanced learning skills, and emotional development. The community has also been impacted. They are empowered with access to educational resources and opportunities they may otherwise not have, they are able to break barriers and the cycle of poverty, and they are becoming socially integrated with children from all different backgrounds fostering empathy, understanding, and cultural exchange.
“The Tutoring Program is an excellent initiative that served our under-privileged children in the residing communities of the South of the island,” says Mrs. Kimberly Harrow, a tutor. “Its main focus was to enhance their learning skills according to their grade and to encourage proper social interactions through classroom activities and games. Prayer was an integral part of the classroom setting as well and it was wonderful to see the children excited about that too.”
This program has and will continue to have impact by the fostering of equal opportunities for children and by nurturing and supporting them long-term, unlocking their potential and enabling them to become active contributors to society.
“The program has taught me different skills and different techniques in order to get my schoolwork done,” says Ciarra Antoine, student (G-9). “It also taught me to be closer to God and how He is an important part of my life.”
The 14-month initiative to tutor less fortunate children has had a significant and positive impact on the children involved, the community, and society at large. The improved academic performance, increased confidence, expanded skill-set, and raised aspirations, clearly demonstrated the value and effectiveness of this initiative. By continuing this program, we can continue to transform lives, breaking the cycle of poverty, and building a brighter future for these children and their communities.
Dr. Morella Joseph and Mr. Joel Bernard
