NORFOLK, Va. – The food court at Military Circle Mall turns into a socially-distanced classroom every Tuesday and Thursday.
"We've been here since Jan. 19,” said Kim Jackson-Dinnall.
She’s currently the assistant principal at Granby High School and the founder of T.E.A.C.H., a non-profit that offers free tutoring to students in the region.
Jackson-Dinnall says with the COVID-19 pandemic and at-home learning, students need a little extra help with virtual learning.
"They were hurting - no contact with other people; having to learn how to learn on their own,” she adds.
During these tutoring sessions, Jackson-Dinnall and volunteer teachers assist students with their schoolwork, provide them with meals and also offer pick-up and drop-off services.
"We also provide transportation, a 15-passenger van,” she adds.
Through donations, she was also able to purchase multiple mobile hotspots for students to connect their Chromebooks and laptops.
Students in first to 12th grade are welcome into this free program. Currently, children from Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake attend the sessions.
Jackson-Dinnall says she’s glad her team can put this empty space to good use.
“Now it is being used for a purpose, and that is our children, who are our future,” she adds.
To register your student or make a donation, Jackson-Dinnall can be reached directly at (757) 348-1057.
For more information on T.E.A.C.H., click here.
Details of the program can be found on their Facebook page.
