Students Elect President and Commitees

SEED students held elections yesterday for president of the group, along with representatives for each committee. The students were eager to set committees up since their arrival according to Silvia Castillo, “It helps bring up the morale of the group when ever everyone has something to do, everyone feels needed or important in one way or another.”

The committees being voted on included an executive board, a public relations committee, health, cultural events, and event planning committee. The number of students in the group is relatively small (17) some of them are in two  different committees so that there are enough for everyone to fill at least one position. 

Newly Elected SEED President
 Ana Mancia

Ana Mancia from Santa Ana, El Salvador was elected president by the SEED students . Her duties include mediating meetings, and speaking on behalf of the group to their instructors and program coordinators. Ana is also the first female president selected within the five cohorts that have studies at CSUDH.

Culture plays a big role in the importance of choosing committees amongst the group. According to Carlos Sandoval, “We come from a collectivistic society. We are used to making decisions as a group, whether it be a family unit, a community, or within our school districts. It is seen as selfish for one person to be individualistic or only care for themselves. 

“Hope Has An Address"

SEED visits Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles.

The SEED students had a special field trip yesterday to the headquarters of the largest nonprofit gang intervention, re-hab, and re-entry program in the United States. Homeboy operates through free or low cost sevices and programs, and social enterprises which employ ex gang members; their motto is “Jobs Not Jails”.

The students had a personal tour of the Homeboy facilities and main building, located at 130 W. Bruno ST, Los Angeles, CA 9001. These are known as Homeboy Headquarters, because they provide many other services around Los Angeles, but home base is here. Homegirl cafe is located inside the building, with a fresh selection of breakfast and lunch items available, as well as the Homeboy Bakery, where fresh bread is made twice daily.

Father Greg welcoming the students to Homeboy  Industries.
Photo by Jocelyn Arana 

Father Gregory Boyle, or G Dog, as he is known around Homeboy Headquarters is the man responsible for making Homeboy industries what it is today. As the founder and now best-selling author “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion”, he works daily to continue expanding the services the program provides, and change lives of many ex-gang members.

     SEED students and father Greg outside of his office.
 Photo by Jocelyn Arana

When asked why he does this kind of work, helping reform gang members, father Greg answered, “Having compassion for others equals peace. I see it as my mission to help as many people as I can while I am here. The gift of giving is very powerful, we can never do it enough.”

Some of the programs Homeboy provides include tattoo removal, job training and placement, legal services, GED completion courses, and mental and drug abuse counseling, among other services. Their mission statement includes: “Homeboy Industries provides hope, placement, and support to formerly gang involved and incarcerated men and women, allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community.”

For more information on Homeboy Industries or Father Gregory Boyle, go to homeboyindustries.org

School Site Observations are a Success at Montebello School District

This past week, the SEED scholars have been busy commuting from Carson, CA to Montebello, located near East Los Angeles. The purpose of these trips was to learn new teaching pedagogies from teachers who work with at-risk youth and incorporate those into their classrooms in El Salvador.

The SEED scholars works side by side with the school teachers to develop an effective lesson plan that they could execute back home with their own students. SEED student Yvette Montes says, “I am learning a lot from the techniques primary school teachers use here, in some ways they are similar, but in many ways they are different than what we are used to in El Salvador.”

Fifth grade science teacher, Carlos Portal said “I’ve noticed the idea here is to engage the student in the classroom, through hands-on and interactive experience. Teachers try to make learning fun here and that will help us a great deal back home. Students who are more engaged in school be it through art, literature, or science, will be less likely to drop out and join a gang. That is our objective.”

 The SEED students showed their gratitude for allowing them into their classrooms by putting on a performance in traditional Salvadorian wear at the end of the week, and sharing with the students their own culture and customs. 

 Montebello Elementary school teacher, Victor Solorio,
with various books in english and spanish for his students.
 Photo by Jocelyn Arana

Randy Jurado Guest Lectures for SEED Students

Randy's book about the Salvadorian experience in America.
 Image from randyjuradoertll.com

Salvadorian born writer and political activist Randy Jurado gave a guest lecture for the SEED Students today, and finished with a signing of his book, Hope in Times of Darkness: A Salvadoran American Experience. The students were thrilled to be able to speak with a man who has done so much for the Salvadorian American community especially here in Los Angeles.

Randy recalled many of the obstacles he faced growing up as a first generation son of Salvadorian immigrant parents. He especially touched on growing up amongst gangs and gang members and having to deal with them in and out of school. His book touches on this subject, as well as his journey and life story that led him to do the work he does today.

The students had all read Randy’s book prior to his lecture, and had questions prepared to ask him during his lecture. Primary school teacher Mirna Lira asked, “What are some ways your teachers and parents helped you overcome the influence of gangs in your everyday life growing up?” Gangs and prevention of gang violence are especially of interest to this SEED teachers group, because they deal with them every day.

Student Roxana Clavel gave her reaction to Randy’s presentation, saying “He is very inspirational to us, we look to him to help us better understand the plight that is gang violence back home and how we can help our students overcome the temptation of gangs.” 

You can find more information about Randy Jurado and his work at randyjuradoertll.com.