Wharton class helps at-risk youth

Wharton 101 students are refuting what some call the stuffy, self-centered stereotype of the average Wharton undergraduate by becoming active in community service. Wharton senior Gur Tsabar is the teaching assistant for a group of 13 freshmen enrolled in Wharton 101 -- a non-credit requirement to graduate from the business school. As part of the class, each section selects a community service project and sets goals for the semester. The students then must work with each other and the community to accomplish these goals. "The class focuses on teaching communication skills and introducing students to the Wharton environment," Tsabar said. Tsabar is one of many Wharton upperclassmen who serve as TAs for the program. His group has chosen to work with "The House of Umoja," a multifaceted, community based organization that works to improve the lives of inner-city youth. Umoja's program director, Nasser Fattah, said her group deals "primarily with youth that are at risk as a result of anything from teenage suicide to drug addiction." "Most of the children have literally been thrown out by their families," Fattah said. Umoja's location, the 1400 block of N. Frazier St., is one of the most dangerous areas in the city, Fattah said. "Children see crime and violence here at a very early age," Fattah said. "We focus on young people because they are our future." The name "Umoja" was derived from the Swahili word for "unity," Fattah said. Umoja currently serves as a community-based, emergency food distribution service center as well as a place for young students to get academic help and counseling. One of Umoja's goals is to build a computer lab for their residents to use, Fattah said. Wharton freshman Dan Nunn, a member of Tsabar's class, said their first Wharton 101 project will be to conduct a survey to see who in Umoja can best benefit from their services. While they have yet to decide on a specific project to work on, Nunn said he has enjoyed his Wharton 101 experience. "This makes me realize that there are so many things to be involved in in West Philadelphia," he said. Wharton freshman Jill Paltenstein, another Wharton 101 class member, said she agreed. "We feel good that we're helping the community and that we're really making a difference," she said. "We're also being taught responsibility." Students in Wharton 101 are graded pass/fail based on class participation and attendance.