Hey you!!
Great to hear from you! How are you? I hope you’re well.
Things are going great here. The school opened on Monday after a month’s break and the kids are really excited to be back. During the break, Sian (being as efficient as ever!) came up with a new timetable just for Term 3 that reduced the amount of teaching time per teacher but increased the quality of the teaching programme, particularly on the numeracy side. We recruited 2 new teachers (since we saw how well it worked with 5 teachers when you and Betty were around) and Sian ran a week of training sessions for all the teachers.
We also got clocks for each classroom and a bell, which one of the teachers rings at the end of teach period! It’s fantastic, just like a western school! And so far so good – everything’s running like clockwork.
On the construction side, we’re nearly done with the foundation for the
administration building. By early November the whole thing will be done.
I’m so delighted to hear that you’ll still be supporting Shine. Thanks for
sending more books and teaching materials – please just let me know when to expect them.
Love,
Vineet
Moses is a student at Shine Reading Academy. It’s easy to see he is a leader among his peers at school. Moses loves his family and friends and likes to read books. He goes to church every Sunday. Math is his favorite school subject, and someday, Moses would like to be an accountant.
Please take time on September 8, 2010 to learn more about International Literacy Day. We recognize the value of literacy around the world and are always thinking about how to improve education for all. A to Z is dedicated to increase literacy levels for impoverished children in Zambia and will soon be reaching out to help children in other parts of the world.
A to Z Literacy Movement would like to thank Illinois Reading Council for their generous support and for making A to Z one of their international projects in 2010. IRC is a true leader in literacy, understanding the importance of helping to increase literacy not just in Illinois, but around the world. Thank you!
It was hard not to notice all of the unique names of the little shops and stores on the way to school everyday. The Zambians definitely have a way with words! Some stores were actual structures with cinder block walls, while others utilized cardboard or grain sacks as siding for their place of business. Here are a few of my favorites:
Flying out of Zambia, I sat next to a Texan cattle rancher and his son. The two had been hunting wild game and very much enjoyed their time in country. As I explained my purpose in Zambia and A to Z Literacy Movement, a sense of accomplishment came over me. Six hours later, I flew out of Johannesburg and enjoyed chatting with a young family from South Africa. The couple asked thoughtful questions about my time in Africa, and again, as I talked about working with vulnerable children, I felt happiness and success. While boarding the plane in London, I noticed an African bracelet on an American woman in front of me. We struck up a conversation and I learned she is working in Tanzania with her husband. As I talked about providing books to impoverished children so they can experience the love of reading, she asked for my card and said we would need to stay in touch. During the last hours of my journey home, I reflected on how fortunate I am for all the people who have helped get A to Z off the ground. I am grateful for all of the generous donations and I will continue to grow the organization for all the kids needing books to read!
We met with teachers today after spending a week at Shine Reading Academy. Susan, Sharon, and Lyson have no official college training, but are motivated to become stronger teachers. Lyson is a real success story as he was illiterate until age twelve. He brings joy, enthusiasm, and empathy to the older students in his class. During our discussions, we praised the teachers for doing such an incredible job of speaking in English and Nyanja. The students need to hear both languages to fully understand and comprehend. I believe modeling for the teachers was the most effective way for Betty and I to help and definitely made the most impact. They watched us teach all week and were able to glean techniques, style, and language from our lessons. We also reinforced literacy components critical in teaching reading and writing. Learning is ongoing for everyone and the teachers at Shine will continue to grow as we help to supply books for their classrooms and library.
A to Z Literacy Movement Blog 
