Despite the tough challenges this year, from a cholera outbreak to a severe drought, the library has become a second home for many children. It’s a place where they can learn, play, and be kids again. For Francis, it was curiosity that first drew him to the library, but it’s the warm and welcoming atmosphere that keeps him coming back.
"I didn't know my child can read!"
Hidden Blessings!
“I love thrillers!”
"I want to get educated!"
"We have no Bible at home because they are expensive!"
Years Later!
Alex is a very jovial 19-year-old boy who lives next to Impact One. Despite attending public school, by 6th grade, Alex still could not read or write. With no books to use, it became a constant struggle to keep up with school. When he started middle school, he began regular self-study with a Bible, the only book available to him at home. Even though he didn’t understand most of the words, he would use it to practice spelling.
Follow Up Makes All the Difference
This week, I stood in the back of a 2nd grade classroom and observed the Literacy lesson. Using handmade flashcards, the students reviewed all of the letter sounds they've learned complete with fun actions. Then one by one, the students came up to a handmade letter board and created their own 3 letter words with the sounds. Together, the class sounded out each 3 letter word. Tears filled my eyes as I watched these children reading! Just last year, if I had stood in the back of this same classroom, not a single child would have been able to identify letters or their sounds, much less make any words from them. Our Teacher Training and Mentoring is making an incredible impact in the classrooms.