Thank you, Marie Brandell, for creating another A to Z video. Your compassionate heart and artistic talent help to spread the word.

My focus

My inspiration

My reward

Noticing everything on the page

Discovering new ideas

Enjoying the magic of a book

Students ready to learn.

Teachers dedicated to their profession.

Both working to meet a common goal = Increasing the love of literacy

I wanted to send you pictures of the students that have benefited so much from the donation of books. I have started a reading club so the kids can read and have fun when they are out of school for holidays. The executive committee for the community school was so thankful. We continue to work on making the school better and have been trying to receive funding for the school. The community is keeping hope alive and reaching out to other organizations. It is a very long process.

Edward Mulenga and Deborah Mwewa Mulenga are the two teachers. They are a married couple living in the community and have devoted their extra time to teach in spite of their main jobs as farmers and parents. They are currently looking for new teachers for 2012. The executive board is composed of people in the community as well as the head women and headmen. They are actively participating in helping the school stay open and have planted a garden to generate income to support the children and to improve the school.

Mapalo Community School has about 60-100 children that attend the school. Most of them are preschool to second grade level. They come to the school to learn basic skills in identifying, counting, reading, and writing. After mastering these different levels, they are transferred to a government basic school where they continue their education. This community school is located in Matete village in Nchelenge district of Luapula province.

Why do I go to Zambia?

Because I want to empower

influence

strengthen

and change the literacy lives of children.

I want to revive the culture of reading in a place that is filled with adversity.

 Because I want to encourage kids to become critical thinkers.

Students who can understand and evaluate what they read and apply that new knowledge in other areas of their lives.

I want to promote original thoughts and foster creative ideas.

Because I want the boxes of books we send to be compelling and captivating. Students enthralled by the text in front of them, engrossed in a story that carries them to a different time and place. Books that will enlighten the children and provide them with the “what can be” in life.

Because I want to utilize my own talents to help diligent teachers provide a positive learning environment. With half the population under the age sixteen, these vulnerable children need strong teachers who will persevere. Committed to working side-by-side, explaining best practice, I’m driven to help the men and women in these impoverished communities become more skillful and knowledgeable teachers.

Reading is a window to the world that allows us to go beyond our limited experience. Reading opens doors and is necessary to strengthen society. Reading and writing are going to solve problems and transform communities. Why do I go to Zambia? To promote the power of literacy and get books into the hands of children.