|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| About CRYP | Youth Programs | Family Services | Volunteering | Help CRYP | Contact Us |
|
|
"Learning by
doing...."
The Main
University is a new program, begun in January 2002, designed to enhance
the children’s current experience and education in school with a series
of volunteer instructed classes on a variety of subjects. The classes
this year have ranged from Cell Biology for
The Main
University is effective in a variety of ways. Children are exposed to
the vocabulary of higher education at a very young age, that may help to
ease anxieties later on. In addition, the children get the benefit of
learning from many different kinds of people, since our volunteers come
from all over the U.S. and the world. Community volunteers
Main University is not just about
education, it is also about setting reasonable goals for success that
our children can be proud of when they acheive. Poverty can lead to
insecurity and many of our children are quite reserved as a result.
With encouragement, however, we can help our children to find their
voice and the confidence to express themselves. One participant
The program
runs all year long, and is currently funded by the Cheyenne River Youth
Project. All volunteers, groups and individuals, take part in planning
and teaching classes.
|
Kids,
Counting in German, and Beginner Gardening, to Lakota Heroes and
Culture. The participants must complete four classes in a “semester” of
eight weeks in order to graduate from the University. Children with
five or more classes receive honors. The Graduates are given a small
ceremony, complete with certificates of excellence, and a private
sleepover party.
with expertise are also invited to teach classes to the children,
connecting our participants with local role-models who share our vision
for Cheyenne River youth. The topics are always different, and children
can always find classes that pique their curiosity.
even
gave a graduation address when she was awarded the title of
Valedictorian! Main University proves that children care about their
education and expanding their horizons.