Interview with Rosa Carides-Hof: Engage and Participate
Rosa Carides-Hof, the Community School Coordinator at Donegan Elementary School, is spearheading a movement to promote change through community engagement. Serving as a link between students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and community partners, she is implementing the Community School model at the school.
The Community School model, supported by Lehigh University and the Bethlehem Area School District, aims to foster holistic community development. Its objective is to improve educational and social outcomes by providing integrated services and encouraging local involvement.
Carides-Hof's mission extends beyond the classroom. She coordinates after-school and family educational programmes, day programs like tutoring, and services that cater to the needs of students and their families. Her efforts are geared towards stabilising and empowering families to improve the academic success of their children.
One of the key aspects of her work is identifying and addressing the needs of students and their families. She works closely with the principal and all stakeholders to ensure resources are available to help students meet their academic and non-academic goals.
The South Side community, where Donegan Elementary School is located, is rich in diversity and resiliency. Despite common misconceptions, the community is willing to work together to make a difference. Carides-Hof's position within Lehigh's Community Services Office is a testament to this collaborative spirit.
Art plays a significant role in the community. Many students express their emotions through drawing, painting, sculpting, and visiting community galleries. Exposure to the arts can have a community healing effect, fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences.
Carides-Hof's work extends to helping families identify community resources such as food, clothing, and housing. She believes that getting involved and not being afraid is crucial for making a positive change.
In an interview for the upcoming LUAG exhibition, Carides-Hof spoke about the experiences of art within the community. Everywhere you look, art is present, from murals on buildings to performances in community centres.
Many families in the South Side community work multiple jobs to make ends meet. However, the community's resilience shines through, with experiences of art providing a source of comfort and inspiration.
Carides-Hof's work at Donegan Elementary School is a shining example of how community engagement can drive positive change. Through her efforts, the school and the community are working together to create a brighter future for the children and families they serve.
- To foster personal growth and self-development, Carides-Hof organizes after-school programs that focus on education, arts, and diversified services within the community.
- Lehigh University's Community Services Office, working with the Bethlehem Area School District, encourages diversity and resiliency on campus by promoting the integration of arts in community healing.
- Carides-Hof believes that a collaborative approach that includes resources for accessing food, clothing, and housing can help families achieve academic success and contribute significantly to their children's education and overall well-being.
