LEAP Maths and Science Programme

During this week's class, Ms. Worthy from the LEAP Maths and Sciences middle school came in to give an educational introduction into the programme, its goals and accomplishments. She explained that growing up being educated in the Roots programme and participating in protests for further rights of all, in hind sight, she realised her true calling was in education. As a result, she has been named "Teacher of The Year" in every school she has taught in, nation-wide. These are high feats, especially as she taught children that the system would simply give up on.

Ms. Worthy explained that she uses the African teaching system as a model for in her class, where the relationship between her and the students is amplified, a holistic approach is used to apply what is covered to the larger scheme of things and education is more than a grade; that a students more than a score on a SAT exam. When visiting Johannesburg, South Africa, Ms. Worthy touched base with her teaching model at their LEAP Maths and Sciences school. There was no drop out rate and all students graduated, although, she explained, the programme was so vigorous and demanded so much of students. Students went to school everyday, and when I spoke with Ms. Worthy on a one to one basis, she explained that even if the bus breaks down, these students will walk miles and miles to go to school.

As my father is from Mali, I was also exposed to a similar attitude towards education, but what he most emphasized was its importance. As he walked 5 miles every day to and from school, paid for his own uniform and books through out high school and graduated from medical school without any debts, his words meant a lot. He explained that your education is your own, it distinguishes you from other intellects, and from common people. You can literally show what you have achieved, but it must always be for yourself, just as all accomplishments.

Ms. Worthy's speech relates to the broader Freshman Seminar's mission of using educational to further the intellect of future generations. And as with all the speakers, the Black community is emphasized in their need to empower themselves to better America for all. In comparing the speeches, education is the determining factour in who will lead and when this revolution will come.