Nicole Tarver's Proposal

The Syracuse University hiss is filled with areas of higher learning and further development. Right down the hill lies a community-based program that enables Syracuse students o educate inner-city children on how they can change the world. "Seven out of 10 fourth graders in our highest poverty schools cannot read a simple children's book. Millions are trapped in schools where violence is common and learning is rare." Said George Bush about education in America. The children who go to Dunbar are no different.

This photographic essay will record the intense moments that all participants at Dunbar Association see and experience each day. Contrary to the elaborate and expensive education on the top of the Syracuse hill, these children, ages five to fourteen come from low-income families. Within this diverse program, the children are learning more about the importance of education in their African-American culture in one afternoon at Dunbar, than during a full week of school.

I have been a tutor at the Dunbar Center for a year and a half. I began my photo story last year, and I wish to continue documenting the importance of education for low-income minority students. Having gained the trust of the teachers and students, I have been able to see the definite changes and burdens that these children carry with them.

In order to understand the world importance of this after school program, one must understand the discrepancies of education for minority students. Many of the students that I tutor are 2-3 grade levels behind in their reading levels. The capability to read and write is essential or these children, in order for them to feel qualified to make a difference in this global community. For these students, homework and reading are done at Dunbar, and not a home. A majority of the children come from divorced families, and there is no one to spend time with them in the evening. For the parents, Dunbar is a gift, enabling their children to have mentors and hope for their children. In empowering education, we are given the ability to change the future of a child.

In 1998, a total of 210 children participated in the after school program. Many goals were achieved, which included increasing their knowledge of problem solving, enhancing self-control, and cultural identify. During the year, 81% of 60 youth (5-9 year olds) demonstrated an increase in knowledge of social skills and cultural importance.

The significance of minority education is evident in many historical figures. Born in Harlem New York, Colin Powell was then raised in multiethnic section of the South Bronx. The people that worked with Powell encouraged him to move beyond his local streets, and make a difference. Graduating from high school gave him the power to move out and free himself of the stereotypes for his future. Gaining ranks in the United States political sector, Powell's story has immense value to the everyday child at Dunbar. If the Dunbar students believe that education can give them the provisions for success, like Powell, it will become an attainable mission.

In a moment when the two spheres of Syracuse University and the Syracuse community intermingle, there is hope for change. The Syracuse University tutors within the program offer the Dunbar students the realization that education is their foundation, giving them the tools to change the world.