By Betty Trummel

A to Z Literacy Movement and schools like Shine Zambia Reading Academy give children a window to the world. Good literacy instruction is essential to promote learning in every subject area.

I’ve seen the struggle to achieve a balance between reading, writing, listening, and speaking…four pillars of literacy. I have watched as teachers at Shine deliver lesson after lesson with limited materials and a simple chalkboard in each classroom. 

I think back to my own classrooms during my 35-year teaching career. Those rooms were full of books, posters, learning aids, artifacts and a seemingly unlimited amount of paper, construction paper, colored pencils, and other craft materials. I could provide a colorful and vibrant learning environment. 

Despite the lack of those types of materials here at Shine, teachers work day in and day out to provide a positive learning environment for their pupils. They are working to create a place where the focus on early literacy instruction gives vulnerable children a good start and a chance at furthering their education. It’s opening windows to the world of learning for the children here at Shine.

Reading opens doors (and windows)! I will always keep reading and learning. I’ll never stop looking for ways to bring literacy to vulnerable children and adults. Thanks for taking part in this journey to Zambia with me. Thanks to the teachers at Shine who have always welcomed me with open arms. It’s been great to see my former Shine students, now young men and women. Meeting new partners and friends has also been very rewarding. Our connection is stronger than ever after this two week visit. I’ll surely miss everyone so much.