We recently connected with Cheryl Ann Jones-Allie and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cheryl Ann, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Life… Life is interesting. No matter the start, the path of journeys are always interesting. As with anyone, I did not know the path journey life planned for me to walk on. For years, I walked paths that changed directions, that led me to ask many questions about my “Why” with many lessons to learn. Hard lessons. Memorable lessons. All of my lessons leading me to my purpose. My walk and experiences in this school of life would eventually shine a light on my purpose and grace me with passion so strong until it changed me forever.
I was nine years old when I decided to become a teacher and a children’s book author. My epiphany came to me in the fourth grade. I met a woman who thought very little of children. These children had parents who were poor. All of these children looked to this woman to share her knowledge of academia to her students. This woman would be my teacher. Our teacher used words such as “dumb” and “stupid” to describe her students, my classmates. Many of them could not read, but they could feel. She made everyone feel terrible. Every day. I knew at the age of nine, children deserved better. I understood at nine years of age that it was not the fault of the child to exist in a time that was filled with financial hardships and lack. I knew I would be a better educator and show compassion to those who need it most, children from low income neighborhoods. I knew I wanted to make children feel wonderful, just by being in my presence. I sensed this to be my purpose in this world. So, the journey to my purpose began a long time ago.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After many years of being an educator in school districts in the metropolitan Atlanta area, my path lead me to do something I never thought I’d do, become a Founder of an after school program. I wanted to call it, The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program! I knew it would take a great amount of my community, or my Village, to see my vision come to pass. Our strength is teaching children reading and mathematics and are performing below grade level while exposing them to the latest in engineering, art, science and technology with programming unavailable in their neighborhoods. As a teacher, I have always challenged myself to improve a lesson each time I taught it, never wanting the lesson to be exactly the same. I have the same belief for my after school program and for that reason, The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program is unlike most after school programs. From cubing to coding to cooking and so much more, we offer a great learning experience to children with the intent to make learning fun and lasting.
The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program believes in teaching children about global awareness and to have respect for the diverse cultures and ethnic people that exist in our world. Adding components of an agricultural literacy, philanthropy, and a multicultural curriculum to the program design assists in encouraging the opportunity for more inquiry and problem solving among my students. Children learn to respect multiple perspectives as they learn about different cultures and people. Learning about societal justices allows children to become less prejudicial as they grow into adults, therefore changing the mindset of the world, one village at a time. My hope, my dream, my prayer.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I continue on my journey daily, I take moments to reflect on everything that happens in my life. Every good and bad, up and down, twist and turn. There are a few areas of knowledge I have been able to obtain and as a result, my craft and skills as an impactful, educator were developed and continues to grow in strength. Reading has always been a love of mine. Books allow me moments to escape my reality and travel to other places and times. Reading encourages my thinking and teaches me something new often. As I grew in years, I developed interests in various genres. One book had a profound effect on me, The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. Mercy, the change I could feel inside as I read this book! I felt as if I could see all around me much clearer. I had an understanding about myself and what I wanted for my life with a clarity that was new for me. The book made so much sense and made my moving towards my purpose easier and harder at the same time, because I knew I have learned many lessons, but more lessons will come to me until I reach the goals I have for myself, my business, my family, and my freedom.
Hearing the words, ” You have cancer.”had to be one of the hardest lessons in my life. Although the lesson was incredibly difficult, it came with lessons I pass on – eating from the Earth. Learning how to farm was a complete 360 degree turn for me as I am a descendant of farmers from South Georgia. I never understood why my family strongly believed in eating what they grew as a little girl. As an adult, I have been able to learn about the benefits of eating foods we grow. It is a knowledge I am still learning and teach my students after school.
My journey helps not only my students, but my families to understand how to feed your mind and body with inspirational readings and good food are vital to being the best possible person.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
The mission of The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program INC. is to remediate children in grades kindergarten to grade eight in reading and mathematics as well as enhance children with a brain based and gifted enriched curriculum that develops skills and a global awareness in science, art, music, foreign language, technology, volunteering, and mentoring to cultivate educated, productive and contributing members of a global society. The theme of Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program (VTEP) is to create a global awareness and a respect for the diverse cultures and ethnic people that exist in our world piquing interest and universal awareness for other cultures. We understand achieving our mission and goals require the support and love from members of the community. It truly “takes a village” to impact so many children, near and far. We always welcome the opportunity to partner with organizations to ensure our programming is varied with creativity, fun, and memorable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thevillagetutorial.org
- Instagram: TheVillageTutorial
- Twitter: @VillageTutorial
Image Credits
The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program Antigua and Barbuda Student Association Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Abass Isiah Allie Yasmin Allie
