WEST ORANGE, NJ – The West Orange High School Latin Culture Club has partnered with The Empathy Equality Entrepreneurship Mission (TEEEM). TEEEM partners schools with underserved communities worldwide, to equip the next generation with the skills and mindset to drive meaningful change - one project at a time.
“Earlier this year, Principal Oscar Guerrero and Dr. Kimberly Mancarella presented Carlos Perez and I, the Latin Culture Club advisors, an exciting opportunity to partner with TEEEM,” began Rochell Alves.
“Carlos Perez and I decided to move forward, and we invited a representative from TEEEM to speak to our students. We had an application process and chose student leaders to lead this subcommittee,” she said.
The club chose to work with TECHO in Ecuador to help provide emergency housing to communities.
“These families don't have proper homes, potable water, sewage, or electricity access. TECHO's mission is to change that reality, working to create system-changing solutions to end poverty and shape a future we all want to live in. TEEEM will afford students the opportunity to develop, submit, and earn grants that enable them to conduct school- and community-wide events. The preparation process for these events teaches students real-world entrepreneurial skills, including vision development, budgeting and financial management, profit potential, event planning and logistics, marketing, and success metrics. The outcomes of their efforts - financial or otherwise - will benefit TECHO in Ecuador. With this partnership, students will have opportunities for humanitarian travel and connect with the West Orange community to raise awareness of global issues,” Alves explained.
On March 18, the student leaders: Joshua Montague, Rohaan Mehta, Alexandra Morales, Justin Weinshank, and Aishwarya Jacob attended a TEEM leadership conference at Fairleigh Dickinson University for an interactive day of learning how to be empathetic changemakers. They engaged in group activities and dialogue as they learned about poverty barriers and brainstormed innovative solutions to various humanitarian issues around the world.
“The meeting was an absolute blast!” added Alves.
“The students thoroughly enjoyed the event and are buzzing with excitement. They're now looking forward to collaborating with the committee to raise awareness and bring about positive change in Ecuador through TECHO. The energy is palpable, and everyone is eager to make a meaningful impact and collaborate with neighboring TEEEM chapters. It's fantastic to see young minds coming together to drive such important initiatives, and I'm sure their enthusiasm will inspire others to join in and make a difference.”
The last event for TEEEM will be held at Biagio's in Paramus on Wednesday May 21 from 6pm-9pm. The West Orange community is invited to attend this event. If interested, please complete the Google Form, and more information will be shared.
(L-R) World Languages Supervisor Felix Plata, Alexandra Morales, Justin Weinshank, Rohaan Mehta, Aishwarya Jacob, Advisor Rochell Alves, and Advisor Carlos Perez. (Not pictured: Joshua Montague)
TEEM leadership conference at FDU
Initial meeting with TEEEM at WOHS
