Students become amigos with elementary children
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Gabby Reed
March 9, 2009
Filed under Student Life
When the leaders of the ‘Amigos de la Biblioteca’ club graduated last year, many would have predicted a floundering 2009-2010 as the group struggled to rebuild membership. However, under strong new officers, that has been far from the truth.
‘Amigos de la Biblioteca,’ which means “Friends of the Library,” is a group of students who tutor Spanish-speaking children from local elementary schools. They help students with daily homework, or read to them if their work is finished.
The group gathers at the Independence Regional Library for an hour every Monday and Wednesday. About eight tutors show up for each session. With the ever-increasing number of younger students who faithfully attend to get help, tutors often find themselves assisting three kids at once.
“We promoted more this year. We had flyers, and after kids came, they went home and told their friends, too,” says co-president Naomi Velez, a junior.
While the tutor to student ratio may seem uneven, Velez and co-president Emily Cox, a sophomore, are quick to clarify that they enjoy every second spent volunteering.
“The best part is helping the kids, and seeing their reactions when they understand new information,” says Cox.
Velez also emphasizes the close personal bonds that students develop with their tutors over the course of the school year. “The kids ask for the same people to help them out,” she says. “We can actually tell that they’re reading better, and that they’re doing more.”
With both presidents returning next year, ‘Amigos’ has high hopes to continue to build on its success in the future. The club wants to expand membership to meet the needs of the growing number of younger students who seek its help. It also wants to extend its services to the parents of students, who often struggle with the English language.
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