I was the doctor in a health clinic at K and A and at Hunting Park for about 6 months in 1999.
I was born and raised in Kensington. Attended St. John of Arc.
Then you know the area and what it’s like now. It was nasty 20/30 yrs ago and it’s worse now.
As you said, St. Joan’s school closed a few years ago. My two youngest were baptized there in 96-98 when my cousin was Pastor there.
Since you’re familiar with the area, and it’s not the worst area in Philly, although it sucks big time, you’re aware that Catholic schooling has failed there and home schooling isn’t even an option for these kids. What is the answer or solution for the kids in that area? We know most of the parents aren’t going to educate their kids so what’s next for them? The Catholic parish school closed so they don’t have that option anymore. And we know the parents aren’t even capable of educating the kids as they barely function as it is. What’s the answer for those kids?
Many of the Catholic and private grade schools have closed or are closing in South Philly, an area that is still able to survive. Most neighborhoods in South Philly are still considered elite areas as opposed to those in the K & A area (and we’re not even talking about North and West Philly). What’s the solution for those kids? Homeschooling isn’t the answer, Catholic schools aren’t the answer as they’re closing at record rates.
I was born and raised in the ghetto, inner city, and moved out for a reason. I had parents that valued education and hard work and doing for oneself.
The area you were born and raised is far different today. Most of those kids aren’t even looking to graduating high school, let alone college. They’re trying not to get shot in a drive by or beat up in a fight. Worse, many of those parents don’t even care or don’t know any better. Most of those parents can’t even raise their kids in the most basic manner, let alone thinking about educating them.