Hey ya'll, my name is Emma Achola, and I am working at Durham Economic Resource Center (DERC) this summer. My group is tasked with developing a strategy to recruit tutors to help tutor trainees in literacy in preparation for the GED. DERC works to make those who are unemployable employable. Most of these individuals possess a high school diploma or the equivalent, but there are those who do not. There are several barriers that make it hard to employ someone, and a lack of a high school diploma or GED is one of those. DERC believes that by knocking down as many of those barriers as it can, then the person can become employable. This has to do with Durham's present because as of now 1 in 5 adults in Durham can be considered to be illiterate. How can those who can't read at a proficient level be able to enjoy the benefits that RTP has brought to the rest of Durham? Even if they don't seek direct employment by the companies that are moving into the research triangle they can receive the benefits of this growth indirectly if they possess the basic skills.
This week we had a panel discussion with some of the leaders in Durham. They spoke of a Durham that went through the changes that any city that depends heavily on manufacturing went through when the tobacco and textile industries fell. They spoke of the strides that Durham has made since the twentieth century, and the way the city had to reinvent itself when it needed to. I thought that it was interesting when they spoke of redeveloping neighborhoods and how difficult it is for them to go in and make changes. One would think that with these people suffering from poverty and increased crime rates that they would welcome any changes that were being handed to them. Then I figured it made sense. No one likes having anyone come into their space and make changes, even if that person or group has good intentions. I guess there's a reason why they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. With everything that was discussed at the panel it seems like in some ways that Durham is heading in a good direction. I do however believe that a key issue was not addressed by either the mayor or any of the other panelists. Yes, RTP is good for Durham. It has brought with it many tech companies which has led to Durham being able to bounce back from its fall after tobacco declined in popularity. My problem is where are the manufacturing jobs in Durham? Not everyone is able to receive the education that could acquire them a job in the tech world. In the 1950s, manufacturing built the middle class. It allowed for those who had little formal education to still be able to prosper. Neither the mayor nor anyone else really addressed what industries could possibly replace the tobacco manufacturing industry in this city. Durham I believe has the capacity. I'm not an economist but there is reason to believe that these types of jobs could help contribute to the growth in Durham's future. I also know that organizations like DERC and the other nonprofits that we are working with are going to be integral in Durham's present state and its future state.
This week we had a panel discussion with some of the leaders in Durham. They spoke of a Durham that went through the changes that any city that depends heavily on manufacturing went through when the tobacco and textile industries fell. They spoke of the strides that Durham has made since the twentieth century, and the way the city had to reinvent itself when it needed to. I thought that it was interesting when they spoke of redeveloping neighborhoods and how difficult it is for them to go in and make changes. One would think that with these people suffering from poverty and increased crime rates that they would welcome any changes that were being handed to them. Then I figured it made sense. No one likes having anyone come into their space and make changes, even if that person or group has good intentions. I guess there's a reason why they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. With everything that was discussed at the panel it seems like in some ways that Durham is heading in a good direction. I do however believe that a key issue was not addressed by either the mayor or any of the other panelists. Yes, RTP is good for Durham. It has brought with it many tech companies which has led to Durham being able to bounce back from its fall after tobacco declined in popularity. My problem is where are the manufacturing jobs in Durham? Not everyone is able to receive the education that could acquire them a job in the tech world. In the 1950s, manufacturing built the middle class. It allowed for those who had little formal education to still be able to prosper. Neither the mayor nor anyone else really addressed what industries could possibly replace the tobacco manufacturing industry in this city. Durham I believe has the capacity. I'm not an economist but there is reason to believe that these types of jobs could help contribute to the growth in Durham's future. I also know that organizations like DERC and the other nonprofits that we are working with are going to be integral in Durham's present state and its future state.