Community Organizing for Education and Democracy Scholars focus on poverty and justice.
Thursday, May 27, 2010

 

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=341021&paper=59&cat=104

Seven Alexandria juniors signed commitments on Tuesday May 25, to dedicate the next six years of their youth and education to building strong communities.

Family, friends, teachers, school administrators and other supporters attended the afternoon ceremony held behind the Tenants and Workers United Arlandria Community Center. These youth joined the ranks of a national cohort of students to receive academic and technical support throughout the remainder of their education and the beginning of their careers. The local initiative is called Community Organizing for Education and Democracy (COED) and run by Tenants and Workers United.

Alexandria’s COED scholars reflect the diversity of the city; their families immigrated to the United States from Ghana, El Salvador, Honduras, Bolivia and Peru. Prior to accepting the COED award, each student spoke to the significance of this program in their life and the vision they have for the future.

"If it hadn’t been for this scholarship, I was going to join the Army," said Luisa Burgos COED scholar, "Now, I have a million opportunities."

"My story begins when my family and I migrated from Honduras three years ago. Living in a foreign country is a big challenge, but I always knew that going to college would be my biggest challenge of all," said Melvin Alvarez, one of the COED scholars. "This scholarship means that I have one problem out of my way and I can use my education to help others like me. As the first person in my family to go to college, I am inspiring my little brother and sister who look to me as a role model."

"In the last year, I have gotten to know my community and myself," said Dora Tweneboa, "I never knew I could share my experiences to help others and now I can."

"I’ve learned that there are other people fighting for solutions to the issues my community and I go through every day of our lives," said Ginno Huarroc, "and that if there is a will, there is a way to help out."

COED is run by Tenants and Workers United with support from the following organizations: New World Foundation, Posse Foundation, Young Elected Officials Network and Social Justice Leadership. Beginning this summer, COED scholars will work in their communities to educate and organize their neighbors around issues of poverty and justice.