"Understanding the reality of the Lower Ninth Ward as almost "third world" is essential. Our country's systems, primarily the education system is failing the youth who live in this area, primarily of African American descent. Our work there was little - How much could we do with a 12 year-old girl who was reading at a first grade level in the course of week? The answer is not much from a literacy perspective. What we did do however, was build relationships. That was our most important work. Everyday we gave our attention to a small group of children and young adults craving for attention and for someone to believe in them. That is the work that is transformative - and it transforms both parties. I have learned to question basic educational policies in this country that inhibit certain members of society from actually attaining an education. The experience humanizes the reality of the situation and of the destruction in the lower ninth ward. It is not only infrastructure that needs rebuilding, it is hope. It is my wish that we did a little of that."
Read more about Alternative Breaks at Le Moyne from: :
Lacey Eames ’12 – Ecuador Lizzie Molloy ’12- Kenya Justin Sullivan ’12 - New Orleans Pablo Rios- Nazareth Farm