Al-Lateef Farmer first came to visit Foundation Academies in March 2019. A month later, he began volunteering with the school. Since then, he has continued to volunteer in a number of ways, quickly becoming part of the school’s family. Farmer participates in Foundation Academies’ monthly “Drop Everything and Read” literacy events by reading to primary school scholars. He also serves as an interviewer for the school’s student ambassador program and is now supporting its intermediate school scholars by facilitating a writing and poetry club.
Farmer, who hopes to expand his reach into the middle school clubs, learned how to read at two years old by reading the newspaper to his great grandfather. With an active imagination and a growing passion for reading and writing, he began writing stories around the age of six. He went on to earn his BA in English from Kean University and, for more than 15 years, has served as the Student Development Specialist at Mercer County Community College.
If you’re interested in volunteering at Foundation Academies, whether it’s judging a contest, speaking on a panel, interviewing prospective student ambassadors, serving on the school Council, or simply reading to primary school scholars, you can have a lot of fun while helping to make a difference in the lives of kids.
For more information contact Lea Spotwood, Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator at lspotwood@foundationacademies.org.