This was the first Duke Alumni event that I attended. It was a really wonderful idea to bring alums together to serve and think critically about issues going on in our own cities, how we are disconnected from these issues, and how we might more effectively connect to these issues through service and good things we can do each day….I was motivated to participate because the program seemed really substantive….I thought it was an amazing idea to have 20 alumni groups all doing service during the same week. That definitely motivated me because it felt like being part of something again. Made me really proud to be a Dukie that even after leaving the so-called Duke bubble we could connect to people older and younger who all wanted to use their intelligence and privileges to do good work in the world and to live mindfully. – Class of 2007, NYC
The visible improvement [of the neighborhood] was obvious. The less visible impact on the residents was evident through the “thank yous” and positive comments made by local residents while we were working. –M.S. '90, Durham
Thirty first graders were easily engaged by stories read to them in small groups of three or four and simple art projects that revolved around the Thanksgiving theme. All concurred that the children seemed to respond not only to the stories and art work, but more than anything to the fact that these adults were working so closely with them. In other words, the book or project was the vehicle for the “I care about you” message that these children seem to crave so much.Over lunch, we all agreed that the greatest impact was made simply by our presence, showing the students that they matter, we care, and we had chosen to spend the morning with them. The messages to work hard, stay in school, take advantage of their education and opportunities, and to build and display strong character attributes were “icing on the cake.” –Detroit
"This year the Duke Club of Washington's Partners-in-Education program spent countless hours helping the parents of Community Academy Public Charter School learn about a wide range of topics. From planning estates and writing wills to managing temper tantrums, PIE hosted a series of practical workshops for working families. Workshops were held monthly and topics catered to parents' interests. Parents and teachers alike raved about the timely and helpful lessons that Duke Alumni volunteers shared, and we all were delighted that so much of the information could be applied immediately.
Families learned that beverages were the leading cause of excess calories in our children's diets at the nutrition workshop, and families brainstormed ways to save more money at the personal finance workshop. As the school principal, I cannot thank PIE enough for this wonderful service. PIE coordinated efforts and funding to help us develop a beautiful parent center and then organized the workshop series to make sure that the center was put to good use. Their hard work has helped us empower our parents, create a more welcoming environment, and promote life long learning in our community. Please know that you have made a tremendous impact in the lives of our students and their families." - Francis Yasharian , Academy Leader, Community Academy Public Charter School, Washington, D.C. |
