More helpers needed to support kids

To the Editor,

On January 29, the Swarthmorean ran a story as part of its “Helpers” feature that covered a situation that should be at the forefront of our minds. The article described a program, Community Learning Hubs in Sacred Places, that provides internet access and proctor supervision to Delaware County students (grades K - 6) who do not have these needs met at home. It is based in two local churches, but it is in jeopardy of having to shut down due to lack of funding. That means these children may not be able to continue school during the pandemic.

I want to encourage everyone to look into this program and consider donating something if you are able to. Lack of internet access is a real and sad phenomenon. I know college students who have to write papers on their phones in a Starbucks because they have the same limitations these kids are facing. 

I wonder, too, how a situation like this can occur in our own backyards and yet appear only on the inside front cover of our local paper. I do not feel the editors of the Swarthmorean were playing down the importance of the issue. But it seems the right information often misses the necessary stakeholders.

Philadelphia has faced a similar problem. This past fall, when schools became virtual, the Philadelphia School District set up “Access Centers” throughout the city, where free internet service was available. At first, the city was concerned about possible overflow, but to date the centers are all running at much less than half capacity.

I am sure the city of Philadelphia wanted a better turnout. News of the Access Centers was disseminated in press conferences and press releases. But who sees these? Were flyers and notices handed to children at school, on buses, and at afterschool centers? 

As a student of mass communication (the choice of majors still confounds my mother), I am often disappointed at the way information is disseminated and the degree to which mass media and social media control what gets put in front of us. 

Let’s keep our eyes open and keep our critical-thinking minds attuned to all information, lest we miss what we need to know.

To support the program, make a check payable to “Life in Christ Ministries” (put “Learning Hub” in the memo line), and mail it to Life in Christ Ministries, 3012 West Third Street, Chester, PA 19013. Alternatively, make a check payable to “Faith-Immanuel Lutheran Church,” and mail it to Faith-Immanuel Lutheran Church, 65 Penn Blvd., East Lansdowne, PA 19050. Or use Cash App ($licgive). For more information, contact Jean Steinke at 443-801-6946 or jean@loftyspot.com.

Maria Elia
Swarthmore