Winston-Salem State students reach out at Mount Zion’s Baptist Church Youth Educational Enhancement Program (YEEP) to tutor children from kindergarten to eighth grade.
On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights volunteers from WSSU help children learn math, computers and language arts.
Freshman nursing major Jennifer Rodgers, 18, tutors second graders in Language Arts on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. Rodgers says she initially volunteered to fill up the required hours she needed at WSSU but her experience left her with a change of heart.
“Now,” Rodgers said “I’m doing it to help out the kids.”
Junior Charles Dodd, who at 78, is the oldest student at WSSU, teaches language arts to the sixth, seventh and eighth graders on Thursdays. He says he is passionate about the work he does for the YEEP program.
“You feel related that young people would feel good about themselves because they are learning what is necessary for them to learn in the school system,” he said.
Willie Richardson the director of the program who received an award by the Coalition for Drug Abuse Prevention on Oct. 25 says he tries to work with volunteers who are in psychology and elementary education.
“The YEEP program has as many as 20 volunteers and they have close to 60 children they are tutoring,” Richardson said.
Part of the mission of the YEEP program is to enhance spiritual, physical and mental growth. The program also recognizes that the church has a responsibility to develop a balanced life for the children. The YEEP program not only tutors children but also tries to teach them to use healthful habits and practices on taking care of their bodies. Faith and a personal relationship with God are also encouraged among the youth in the program.
The program is open to youth throughout the Winston-Salem community.
The program’s motto is based Philippians 4:13 from the Bible.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
“I recommend the program to anyone who is looking to volunteer to help others,” said Keisha Battle. “It’s a great experience and I think you’ll enjoy it.”