West Philadelphia school gets a new classroom after generous gift

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Longstreth School in West Philadelphia is getting a new state of the art classroom after a generous gift.

The new classroom will have a new smart board, computers, desks and tables.

A private donation from a Philadelphia businessman, Mr. Sang Nah, is helping to fund the school project.

He is not comfortable with English, so his daughter Mina Nah explained why he is giving this generous donation.

"My father Sang Na, immigrated to this country about 30-years-ago. He grew up knowing what it is like to be lacking resources and not having everything to flourish," Nah said.

Sang Na worked hard and came to own Penn Center Beauty Supply in Center City. Years ago he approached Philadelphia City Councilman David Oh with an offer to help school kids.

"Especially African American school kids because his business is selling African American beauty products. He said, 'I really want to focus on African American kids that are in poor neighborhoods of Philadelphia,'" Councilman Oh said.

This is not the first time Mr. Na has helped a Philadelphia school.

He has given gifts of computers and sports equipment to three other schools.

Oh says Na is reluctant to take credit.

"I drag him in. He is very humble because I think the kids need to see that someone that does not look like them, who doesn't speak English, who cares enough about them to do this," Councilman Oh said.

Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell said, "It's what life is about in creating community and creating the kind of relationship we need between business' and community members."

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