Gabriella, Victor and Alan are in high school at Esperanza Academy in Philadelphia. They spoke with Kalisha Devan, a staffer from Senator Kitchens' office and were incredibly hopeful that their visit would be remembered. Alan spoke about the discrepancies in funding per student throughout the state of Philadelphia. He said that for Philadelphia, schools would have to increase their funding by $4000 to reach an adequate level of funding so that students could reach proficiency. Also, he stated that the high drop out rate in Philadelphia (55% among Latinos) needed to be addressed.
Gabriella is in 12th grade at Esperanza academy and she spoke from personal experience about the need for higher funding for public schools in Philadelphia. Some of her friends who attend public schools do not have the books and other materials needed for them to be able to learn as other students do. Victor, an 11th grader at Esperanza, believed it was these personal stories that will make Senator Kitchens and her aid remember Statewide Latino Advocacy Day.
These students also spoke about immigration. Gariella felt that it was very important that they speak out against what she believes are anti-immigration bills. She encouraged Senator Kitchen's office to oppose the current pieces of legislation that are promoting anti-immigration sentiments.
They all felt that it was their responsibility to come and be heard on behalf of their families and communities. They hope to come back next year and have the opportunity to continue telling the legislators of Pennsylvania how various issues are impacting the Latino community.
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