Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) extends a special thanks to those Board members of the VanLandingham Rotary Club (VLRC) who attended a reception at NOC’s new Virtual Learning Center at The Oaks, which was funded by a recent grant of $75,000 from VLRC. Shannon Stephens, President of VLRC, said that he was pleased to report that VLRC’s 2013 Annual Auction raised $80,000. This outcome will allow VLRC to make a significant contribution toward its pledge to NOC. In response to Stephens’ remarks, Naren Sharma, NOC’s Chair and founder, said that the new Virtual Learning Center is an innovative way to facilitate learning in low-income neighborhoods, paving avenues for continuous learning for children and adults. Sharma said that the new Virtual Learning Center will become a model to replicate in other neighborhoods throughout the state and the country in order to prepare children and adults for the challenges of the 21st century. He predicted that within three to five years, outsiders will visit this center to learn about this model for educating people within neighborhoods.
Archives for April 2013
Message from NOC’s Children
Thank You VanLandingham for Your Generosity
“We are excited about our new Virtual Learning Center,” Laura and Kimberly remarked on behalf of the NOC children. “This is a great opportunity for us … we will have access to computers and internet which will allow us to finish our homework in a timely way; we can now complete our research projects; and we will use learning tools on the internet. We are happy … the Virtual Learning Center will help our parents too. Thank you again.”
The Virtual Learning Center will be an innovative pathway to continuous learning outside the schools and it will help to overcome the digital divide between those who have access to internet and those who do not, especially children who come from poor households and neighborhoods. As Thomas Friedman, author and columnist for New York Times, recently stated, technology vis a vis the internet will pave the way for all of us to find opportunities to enhance our education and acquire new knowledge. Technology-based learning will be a cornerstone of NOC’s flagship education program.
NOC is already witnessing the impact of using learning tools on the internet. NOC students who are participating in internet-based learning through afternoon school and summer programs are already showing significant gains in learning and avoidance of loss of knowledge and learning from the previous 6 to 12 months. Having access to the internet for learning reduces the overall cost, since it requires fewer on-site teachers and paid staff. Establishing learning centers in target neighborhoods resolves the issue of transportation which often hampers children and women from accessing the internet in places beyond a safe walking distance.
Culture and Art Program Popular with Pre-schoolers
NOC has introduced music to the pre-school program in HHI and Bluffton.
This program started off on a small scale and has grown in popularity among pre-schoolers, as well as moms. Children get totally mesmerized by the music and dance without any inhibitions. Music brings the best out of these children, changing their mood as well as fine-tuning their motor skills. This component makes NOC’s pre-school program extra special for children and mothers who often lack the opportunity to engage in educational activities.
Bluffton Teachers Brainstorm at NOC Program Center
Teachers are working diligently with NOC’s field team to making learning more effective and results-oriented in NOC’s Program Centers.
Recently, teachers met at NOC’s Program Center in Bluffton to develop an action plan to strengthen NOC’s after school learning program, and to create a stronger culture of continuous learning. Special emphasis was placed on time management, better utilization of NOC’s facilities, student responsibility, quality of tutoring, homework support, and use of technology. The teachers recognize that students are improving academic performance, but more can be done to raise results.
Teachers applaud the involvement of parents and the dedication of children in putting in extra effort so that they can excel in school. Teachers, together with NOC’s high school tutors and adult volunteers, have become important frontline education warriors for pre-school and after school programs in low-income neighborhoods served by NOC.
Beach City Health & Fitness Fund Raiser a Big Success
Neighborhood Outreach Connection thanks Beach City Health & Fitness for their support of NOC’s outreach programs.
Owners Don and Sarah Fox, together with trainers (April, Christina, Dawn, Donna, Kathy, Kristen, Lindy, Shelby, and Tanika) and members of Beach City Health & Fitness, participated in a Fitness Festival on March 16th, raising more than $3500 to benefit NOC. This fund raising event was also supported by Publix, Harris Teeter, Atlanta Bread, and Culligan Water, who donated refreshments for the day’s activities. Their quick response and generosity are very much appreciated. It is only through the cooperation and support of these local businesses and organizations that NOC is able to raise the monies needed to further its programs.
On behalf of the children of Hilton and Bluffton who will benefit from these events, we thank you.