Tutoring

Meets Thursdays at 6:00 PM

Ebenezer Lutheran Church has a weekly tutoring program for kids from the neighborhood (many from our neighboring school, Trumbull Elementary). Our volunteers come from the neighborhood as well – some are members, others have volunteered after meeting someone from Ebenezer or learning about the program. Ebenezer members provide a meal for the students and their families before the official tutoring begins; for many of these students, having this meal is an important key in the learning process.

Our tutors are flexible and able to adapt when necessary. For example, in October 2005, four new children walked into tutoring unannounced one Thursday. The tutors pushed some chairs together and welcomed them into the group. Three of the children had just arrived from Mexico to join their father. Their mother remains in Mexico. They were very shy and spoke no English. One was an eighth grade girl who came to help translate. All four children have come every Thursday since then, are no longer shy or frightened, and speak English very well.

Most weeks there are around 15-18 students participating, with about 8-10 tutors. We have tried to offer ESL classes for the parents of those students, many of whom are just learning English, though they realize how critical it will be to their success here. (October 2006 – we are looking for someone to teach the parents ESL classes during the tutoring program.) The kids in tutoring are just children who are living life while they face more obstacles than many of us could imagine. We are so grateful for all those who work with the Ebenezer tutoring program – whether by providing a meal or by volunteering as tutors.

• Useable sports equipment, bikes, skateboards, etc (new or used)
• New items for prizes ($5-10 range)
• School supplies
• Educational board games

• Children’s book sets
• ESL adult education books
• Computer software
• Internet access for computers
• Reading curriculum