The Learning Hub
"La Escuelita"

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HISTORY

Beechmont Presbyterian opened the La Escuelita Learning Hub in January 2021 to assist JCPS students who were learning remotely as part of the district's NTI. We partnered with Rev. Elmer Zavala and the Presbyterian Hispanic Latino Ministry of Preston Highway and identified 10 students whose primary language is Spanish, many of whom came to our city via caravan from Honduras. These students had gone for 7-8 months without formal education due to the pandemic and had been falling behind due to language and other barriers, so this was viewed as an “essential service” during the pandemic. We were able to continue this full-time ministry through the summer of 2021, serving 18 students as a site of JCPS' Backpack League which provided academic support for these students as well as social-emotional support. 

 

As another school year approached, at the families’ request, we continued our ministry to closely walk alongside these families as they navigated school in Louisville amidst the ongoing pandemic and while coping with traumas endured in their home countries and in the caravans. Many of the families had arrived in Louisville less than a year before the pandemic hit so they were still learning a new culture. In October 2021 we transformed the La Escuelita Learning Hub into an after-school program which provides homework help, enrichment activities, ESL assistance, and support for families.  

 

CURRENT PROGRAM

The La Escuelita Learning Hub is now open Monday-Thursday afternoons, after school, whenever JCPS schools are in session and our summer program is done in conjunction with JCPS Backpack League and EVOLVE 502. The program now serves about 28 children and youth as well as their families.  We use a trauma-informed approach in all aspects of the program and have expanded our partnerships and enrichment activities to include a Mindfulness and the Arts program, “On and Off the Pitch” program with Lou City Soccer, Bookworks educational advocacy program and EVOLVE 502 send us enrichment providers on a weekly basis who  lead dance, art and other activities. We also work closely to help our families, most of which have language and/or educational challenges, to connect with the JCPS school system and essential social and health services. The social services networking is particularly intensive in the winter months when many parents are out of work and in need of rental, utilities and food assistance; we work closely with South Louisville Community Ministries and other community ministries to connect them to such programs.  

 

We now have a full-time director, Ms. Sylvette Rivera Pabon, as well as part-time staff, including an administrative assistant and two drivers. In addition,  have a strong team of about 15 volunteers,  which includes four individuals who focus  on   literacy and ESL activities, so that we are able to have  an excellent  adult/child ratio of 1:4.    We are so grateful for everyone who lends their support:  helping our kids read, playing games, teaching life skills like baking and sewing, engaging our kids in art projects, driving kids to and from the program, contacting parents and schools, providing snacks and other donations, grant-writing and networking, organizing schedules, praying for our children and volunteers. 

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Interested in serving? Have any questions?

Please contact Sylvette Rivera Pabon LaEscuelitaLearningHub@gmail.com 

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