Group That Helps Kids Think Critically Puts Final Touches On First Bilingual Center
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mighty Writers, a group that promotes critical thinking and creativity through after-school and weekend programming, is opening its first bilingual center on Monday.
Located in the heart of the Italian Market on 9th Street near Christian, the Mighty Writers El Futuro Center will be the first of its type to serve South Philadelphia's Spanish-speaking population.
"They speak Spanish all the time at home, but when it comes to reading and writing at school they do it in English."
Laura Karabell is the program director at the new center. Fluent in Spanish, she's worked with the largely Mexican community in South Philadelphia and hopes to teach writing and reading in multiple languages.
"To truly be bilingual, I want them to not only be able to not only speak in Spanish, but write and read very well."
"All we're trying to do is get kids to think clearly and write with clarity and success will follow."
Tim Whitaker started Mighty Writers five years ago and says 15 kids are signed up, but when the new 7000-square foot center is fully up and running by next fall, it'll serve hundreds of children.
"We hope to be reaching about a 1,000 to 1,200 kids."
Mighty Writers also operates writing centers in West Philadelphia and in Center City.