Empowerment Center

Updated 1/13/08

Our work in the Empowerment Center, (our learning center) involves project-based learning  approaches that capitalize on the Appalachian characteristic of “active learning.” 

This is the natural learning style for adults as well as children centers around both problem solving and the satisfaction of curiosity.  The “sit and listen, for one day you might need this” approach of “banking education” has not been successful with this population.  To counter this and ensure that adequate academic and life skills are developed, we involve our participants in specific projects exposing them to a broad range of skill sets.  This approach produces significant improvement in educational outcomes.  The heart of the idea is the emphasis on small group mentoring activities.  These intense mentoring relationships are the key to the personal transformation necessary to enable the poor to help themselves.  The power of the projects to focus attention and motivate, coupled with the intense relationships with staff who push participants to ever higher levels of accomplishment and quality in their projects, creates a rich learning environment.

We emphasize the development of reading and math skills, as well as exposing children and adults to the arts.  We focus on these areas because many children lack basic skills in reading and math, and because budget cuts and decreased school population have led to the removal of many fine arts programs from local schools.  As children become further and further behind in reading comprehension and an understanding of mathematics, they become frustrated and lose interest in school.  Since many of the arts are no longer taught in the schools, children do not have opportunities to develop their talents in areas such as music, art, photography, and video production.  Appalachian people tend to be creative, and youth tend to gravitate toward music and video because of the media.  Each of these areas provides a base for generating numerous projects that will challenge and empower our target population.  What will it look like?  Go to your local bookstore and look at a copy of one of the Foxfire books.  These books were written by youth in a similar type program.  We seek to produce similar results in each of these areas we’ve selected for emphasis.  The development of these skills, along with basic life skill development will enable those we serve to gain confidence in their abilities and achieve long term success.

What does a typical afternoon look like? 

 When the children arrive after school, they are greeted by adult staff and volunteers.  Snacks are provided, and children and adults alike talk and play games together.  After awhile, the group gathers for prayer and a devotion based on a particular topic or scripture passage.  For the rest of the afternoon, children go to three different “stations,” where they receive tutoring and help with homework, complete craft projects, and use computers to reinforce concepts taught at school and sharpen their computer skills.   During their time at the center, children experience a loving and structured environment with activities geared toward their particular age group.

Mustard Seeds & Mountains, Inc.
P.O. Box 686
Northfork, West Virginia 24868-0686
(304) 862-4643