Dear Editor:
This letter is to clarify a letter that came out on September 20, 2014 in the Hudson Reporter regarding internet access for impoverished families. The original letter that I wrote in December 2013 was in response to a Forbes Magazine inquiry from December 16, 2013 regarding a partnership between Khan Academy and Comcast. It was originally published in the Hudson Reporter on March 16, 2014. In the letter, I was only trying to point out that internet access to impoverished families is a good start but it is only one tool, of many, that our children need to be successful. This is just one tool and should not be a replacement for the hardworking and dedicated teachers who educate our children.
During my time advocating for our children, I’ve worked hard to bring tools and other resources to many children, parents, and teachers in the Heights to enhance the educational experience. This includes school supplies, recreational equipment, and extracurricular activities. In addition, I’ve worked with the schools and outside groups to secure funding for programming and support services geared towards parents and their children. This includes winning a national grant in 2012 to provide health and social services to families in need throughout the Heights. With your support on November 4, 2014, I will continue to expand on this effort to provide tools and other resources to children, parents, and teachers throughout Jersey City.
Joel Torres (3H)