TIMBA an afterschool program that incorporates Technology and Inquiry into a Multicultural Bilingual Academic setting. As described below, TIMBA provides programs including Critical Writing, STEAM(Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Math) as well as Mentoring and community projects initiatives. TIMBA is primary designed to accommodate students from cultural, social, economic, and racial backgrounds, while providing them with a supplementary learning environment that prepares the students for the careers of the 21century. TIMBA is also about setting a broader context of transnational development for our students, mainly to introduce them to the different types of hometown associations, ethnic associations, and other transnational organizations so they understand the diverse institutional landscape they are part of, and how beneficial it is to be exposed to these assets, click here and enjoy one of Lea’s students visit at the institution. Our partners include PASA(Penn African Students Association), the Philadelphia West African Diaspora community, Penn Critical Writing Program, local educators, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Graduate School of Education and Monumental Baptist Church.
TIMBA‘S PROGRAMS
Critical Writing: Under the supervision of Dr. Ross, the Critical Writing class has blossomed. the students has developed great interests in reading and writing. Last year, the program successfully motivated and excited the students about reading, and also learning how to develop the skills of thinking both critically and creatively. The program continues to also greatly help African francophone immigrants students (like Gamei feature on the video) who are having problems adapting to their new environment, and developing their writing and reading skills. TIMBA, through its unique teamwork approach help these issues effectively.
French: Given the increasing number of African Francophone immigrants and refugees going to public schools in West Philly more precisely at the Lea school, and South West. TIMBA has introduced French in its curriculum last year(2013) which positively impacted its ESL group at Lea since its inception. Because of the success of its program, TIMBA is extending the French to non French speaking students this year. The aim is to reduce the bridge between the two groups and let them benefits from bilingualism. Join us via info@palmssolutions.org.
Science: Our instructor and program Director Dr. Pohlschroder, designs projects and experiments that are effective approach to STEM education, and encourage Scientific and Engineering Practices based on crosscutting Concepts. We are looking for more volunteers, passionate about Science and willing to continue make our Science sessions fun and attractive to the students. You will be given the opportunity to help design and implement great educational projects, along with the students and other instructors. if interested, join us, via info@palmssolutions.org
Math: The session brings these in-demand skills to kids who crave the opportunity to do more, to do better, and to build a brighter future. Through the session, Dr. Beals, along with Beth Randell and Penda Gandega take students out of their normal learning environment and inspire to them to take an interest in Math. The exposure of the students to the love of Math at the early age, help prepare them to embrace the discipline, and develop skills necessary for their academic success. We are still looking for volunteers( teachers, students, parents) please join us via info@palmssolutions.org if interested.
Programing: The programing class teaches basic coding and programing to diverse groups of students from elementary to high schoolers, to prepare them to live up to the technology challenges of the 21 century. This year, Dr. Beals intends to have students build and achieve projects based on their own high expectations. If you are both, ready to train the next generation of innovative programmers, and excited about sharing your talents and passion with highly motivated elementary, middle and high schoolers, we hope you will consider joining us by sending us an email via info@palmssolutions.org
Bullying and possible solutions: African students have a high rates of bullying and victimization compared to other adolescent populations. As a result, many of our students have been affected health wise, and psychologically. Needless to say that such factors continue to impact their school performance. TIMBA has therefore decided to engage its students in an opened forum discussion, to not only expose the issues, but most importantly, to join forces in search for long, healthy and sustainable solutions to that social gangrene. This video relates some of our multiple conversations
Arts and Multi Cultural Celebration:The African Francophone Diaspora Global initiative Arts program, gives our students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with some of their own heritage, and share elements of their culture or ethnicity with other members of the school community. The students get a chance actually to perform, sing, dance and hear stories, as well as enjoy hand on exhibition artwork. Moreover, our program also celebrates the diversity in food, clothing and games, to help build social connectedness, and educate school staff about the various cultures represented in their midst. This is a great crossroad of sharing and learning, so if you would like to get involved and join the fun, please don’t hesitate to contact us via info@palmssolutions.org