Service-Learning Project in New Orleans
the problem:
We are trying to solve multiple problems. For New Orleans residents impacted by Hurricane Katrina, we are hoping to help solve some of the intractable housing and education issues. Even more than five years after Katrina, a real need for reconstruction work exists in parts of New Orleans. We hope to fill some of that need during our time in New Orleans.
For our students, we are hoping to solve the problems of unawareness and/or close-mindedness. We hope that with a broader sense of this country's size, successes and stumbles, our students will feel empowered to affect change as engaged citizens.
vital stats:
people impacted:
100people involved:
15why it's important:
Our project is important to us for the people of New Orleans and for our students. We feel the people of New Orleans have been wronged - before, during and after the hurricane. We hope to do our small part to help right that wrong by spending time in the city working to remedy these issues and teach our students that they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Our project is also important to us since we're hoping to educate our students about broader issues. Many of our students have not left the New York City metropolitan area, and we believe it is critical to expose them to the larger United States. With an expanded view of the country they live in and the similarities and differences between American cities, our students can get a better sense of where we fit into the larger picture of affecting change in urban areas.
the plan of action:
We plan to take a dozen upperclassmen to New Orleans for one week in late March-early April. While in the city, we will undertake a service-learning project by partnering with a local organization dedicated to Katrina reconstruction. During the day, we will work on rehabilitation projects in the Lower Ninth Ward. In the evening, we will visit local educational organizations and explore New Orleans culture.
Before arriving in New Orleans, our students will attend a weekly course on the history and culture of one of the most unique cities in America. The class will prepare our students for the issues and events they will engage in upon arrival in New Orleans.
