We recently connected with Cheryl Jones-Allie and have shared our conversation below.
Cheryl, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I was nine years old when I decided to become a teacher. My fourth grade teacher was the reason. A mean woman who thought very little of children whose mothers were poor. A woman who used words such as “dumb” and “stupid” to describe her students, my class. I knew at the age of nine, children deserved better. I understood at nine years of age that it was not the fault of the child to exist in a time that was hard and filled with lack. I knew I would be better in a classroom and show compassion to those who need it most, children from low income neighborhoods. I knew my purpose in this world. I felt ready to take on my passion to share it with everyone with zeal. Or so I thought. I did not know the journey life planned for me to travel for years to come had lessons to learn. Hard lessons. I had no idea that my journey would shine a light on my purpose and grace me with passion so strong until it changed me. I went from teacher to educator to business owner, all while intertwining each title that would allow me to really understand my next assignment God gave to me. An educator providing STEM explorations along with agricultural literacy to the next generation, locally and abroad.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
One of the most precious birthday gifts I ever received was on April 7, 2014. I was on vacation and was being lulled to sleep by a strong thunderstorm. As I slept I dreamed I was teaching children in a way that was not familiar to me. When I woke up, I remember grabbing a yellow note pad and wrote all I could remember from my dream. I wrote all day. At the pool, after my spa service, at lunch, all day. It was April 8th. My birthday. My children asked me what was I writing. I said, “I saw my after school program.”. It has been a part of my life daily ever since that day. I asked myself over and over again, “What will the name be?” I wanted something that would embody my belief as I began to impact my community. The Village…..
The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program. Teaching children performing below grade level while exposing them to the latest in science and technology with programming unavailable in their neighborhoods.
As a teacher, I have always challenged myself to improve a lesson each time I taught it, never wanting the lesson to be the exact same. I have the same belief for my after school program and for that reason, The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program is unlike most after school programs.
The Village Tutorial and Enrichment Program believes in teaching children about global awareness and to have respect for the diverse cultures and ethnic people that exist in our world. Adding components of a multicultural curriculum to the program design assists in encouraging the opportunity for more inquiry and problem solving among my students. Children learn to respect multiple perspectives as they learn about different cultures and people. Learning about societal
justices allows children to become less prejudicial as they grow into adults, therefore changing the mindset of the world, one village at a time. My hope, my dream, my prayer.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I love to read, always have. Books allow me to sometimes escape my reality and go into another place and time that is entertaining. As I grew in years, my interest in other genres and titles grew as well. I appreciate those new levels of growth very much. As I prepared to jump towards this new feeling driving me to become a different type of educator and owner of my after school program, I decided to read The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. Mercy, the change I could feel inside as I read this book! I felt as if I could see all around me much clearer. I had an understanding about myself and what I wanted for my life with a clarity that was new for me. The book made so much sense and made my moving towards my new assignment easier and harder at the same time, because I knew I have learned many lessons, but more lessons will come to me until I reach the goals I have for myself, my business, my family, and my freedom.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
As I began my career in education, I walked in thinking I desire to be the same type of educator I would want for my children. I never realized I would teach from what my students call a “Mama” stance. I have been a mother to many children over the years. The children I touch understand my techniques come from a tough love. A love I’ve never been embarrassed or afraid to back down from. My children thought I was too tough sometimes, but as school years came to an end, many children have come back over the years to say a lot. Many of them ask for help in school, referrals for colleges, advice for work relationships, invitations to weddings and baby showers. I have always told anyone I work with, “Welcome to my world.”. Many of my relationships with my families have been lasting. A testament to my impact in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thevillagetutorial.wixsite.com/thevillage
- Instagram: @TheVillageTutorial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevillageenriching/
- Twitter: @TheVillage