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2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory |
| Directory: | | HOME | Ramona | Julian | Valley Center & Pauma Valley | Borrego Springs & Desert | |
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Providing a comfort zone where Indian students feel good about learning has been the job of the Indian Education Center at Rincon for 27 years. The center serves nearly 80 children in grades K-12 on the Rincon Reservation. Several tutors are provided to the center, paid for by federal Title IX funds. Although funding for the center has often been subject to cuts, the center has taken a proactive approach to funding. It has forged alliances that will help it move forcefully onto the Information Superhighway. One such alliance was created with the Detwiler Foundation, which promised to match any computer donated to the center. The computers are important because studies have shown that children without computers in the home do poorly in computer-related areas at school. Most Indian families do not have computers. These computers are used to help the children with reading and math skills. They are used by adults to prepare resumes and by students in high school and college. The center also offers courses in computer skills. Another function of the Ed Center is to encourage leadership among students. To this end it has formed the Youth Council, which consists of four teenagers, who are all leaders among their peers. They meet regularly and discuss youth activities designed to keep kids off drugs and keep them in school. The youths are also ex officio members of the tribal council. But probably the most important activity of the Ed Center is to act as the liaison between Valley Center schools and the community. Director Adela Kolb makes sure Indian students get all their homework from the school and maintains contact with the parents to make sure the kids stay in class. The center also promotes cultural activities. It provides transportation for children to pow wows and conferences. Recently it began offering classes in basket-weaving and hopes to offer a class where Indian students can learn their native Luiseno language. Since the body is as important as the mind, the center also sponsors Res Ball, an athletic program that encourages competition and good sportsmanship among youths in area reservations. You can reach the Indian Education center by calling 749-1296.
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