Volunteer Tutor Program Returns To West Orange School

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange African Heritage Organization. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The West Orange African Heritage Organization (WOAHO) tutoring program is excited to once again volunteer at Redwood Elementary School. West Orange High School students, as well as local residents, volunteer to contribute to the school community’s goal to prepare students for college and careers.

“It is an honor for WOAHO to support the West Orange School District, Principal Jackson and the school community. We are so thankful to be invited back this year to volunteer as tutors for Redwood Elementary School students. We are especially grateful to our volunteers who dedicate their time to assist our West Orange youth,” said the WOAHO Tutoring Coordinator, Ms. Boone.

The West Orange African Heritage Organization tutoring program began in the fall of 2001 by West Orange residents, Dr. Marie Sangosse and Gwen Franklin. The tutoring program is held during scheduled Wednesdays for one hour, during which time students receive assistance with homework and test preparation. At the conclusion of the yearly program, students are awarded certificates and motivational materials, thanks to donations from West Orange Rotary Community Service Awards.

Ann White, Adult Lead Tutor, stated, “Being part of the tutoring program is incredibly rewarding and impactful. The volunteer adults, as well as West Orange High School students, get an opportunity to help Redwood Elementary students build confidence, improve their academic skills and unlock their potential”.

Jane Gaertner, Adult Tutor, shared, “I tutor because I wanted to be involved in the lives of our children in West Orange. It is meaningful, fun and inspiring to see our children learn”.

West Orange High School student volunteers are selected and referred by advisors from clubs and organizations such as, the National Honor Society, Future Educators of America, Math Honor Society, English Honor Society, and Interact Club.

High School Tutor, Trigal Rosario, recalled struggling as an ESL student and being thankful for the assistance of high school students who helped her succeed. “Whenever I volunteer, I think back to those times. Now, as a high school senior, I strive to provide that same kind of support to younger students, helping them succeed, just as I did”.

To learn more about the program, visit YouTube to watch, Heroes Among Us, a documentary about the tutoring program’s inception. You can also visit the West Orange African Heritage website at www.woaho.org.

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