It’s my lunch break and I have 25 minutes to gather at least two items for our upcoming silent auction. I have never done this before, I’m nervous, and I’m trying to think of what to say as I walk up to the counter. I begin with, “Hi, my name is Mal Keenan. I started a non-profit in 2009 and we bring books to vulnerable kids in impoverished areas like Zambia. We’re hosting our first fundraiser and I’m wondering if you would considering donating something for our silent auction.” This is when I remember to breath and smile.
As the weeks have passed, I have become more fluent with this speech as I continue to ask people for donations. However gathering items hasn’t been easy and it’s taken time. Once again, I am learning more about myself and others. Asking, for me, is much more difficult than giving. Why is that? While giving, for others, is much harder. I have heard that times are tough and a donation is not possible. I have heard that the business has already donated items to organizations and they have met their quota. Other companies have said our organization doesn’t fall under their donation guidelines. This is all new to me, and I am learning.  What motivates me to continue asking is when a business owner says, “Sure!” and hands me a gift certificate. I’m encouraged when a manager offers me a gift card and prompts me to keep doing what I’m doing. A decorated box of gift items is just what the auction needs and the handmade jewelry will be perfect.  This is what moves me along. And so with another auction item in hand, I climb back into my car, take a deep breath, and think of all the kids who will benefit from my lesson learned.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Thank you for your continued and consistent support of A to Z Literacy Movement. We are so grateful to all of our friends who donate their time and money to help get books into the hands of young readers.

Yes, it’s winter. Yes, the holidays are over. Yes, it’s true, some people will soon begin to experience cabin fever. Yet for many of us, we know that to beat the fever, you have to get out. You have to do things, go places, and hang out with people you enjoy. What better way to kick off February than with a wine tasting in a beautiful room with fantastic music to enjoy! We invite you and your friends to come and support a wonderful cause while keeping that cabin fever in check. On February 5, 2011 at 7:00 pm, we will host our first annual fundraiser at the historic Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake. There will be plenty of unique items to bid on during the silent auction as you stroll from one tasting table to the next. Please join us for On the Vine: Celebrating Books and Wine. You can buy tickets at www.atozliteracy.org and learn more about the event.

A snowflake is one of God’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! ~Author Unknown

While flying from Jo’Burg to Lusaka last July, I sat next to a lovely young woman from Atlanta. She had joined the Peace Corps and was traveling to Zambia for her assignment. I was amazed when she shared with me this marathon flight to Africa was her first experience traveling by plane! As we said “goodbye” after landing in Lusaka, I asked her to please keep in touch. Two weeks ago, I heard from Sylve via e-mail and was thrilled to read she could use our help with getting books into the hands of little ones in her village.
Hey Mal,
My name is Sylve Rawls. I don’t know if you remember me but I am the Peace Corps volunteer who conversed with you on the plane from Joburg in July. I was writing to say hello and that you were right! ZAMBIA is a great place! I’m in community entry now getting to know the place better. I will be volunteering in Luapula province in Nchelenge district. I don’t know if you have been here, but it is beautiful. I also wanted to ask for more information about your nonprofit organization, A TO Z LITERACY MOVEMENT, because in my village, there is a community preschool lacking resources in educating orphans here. I wanted to ask for your help if you can. Thanks and glad that I was able to meet you! GOD BLESS and happy holiday!

Some say it is coincidence, others say it is the work of God, but as we continue to grow,
A to Z has been lucky to connect with other nonprofits working on behalf of children in Africa. Recently, I heard an interview with Richard Johnson, the CEO of Spark Venture, a Chicago based nonprofit doing amazing work in Zambia. After reaching out to them and discussing how we could possibly work together, I was happy to commit a small shipment of children’s books to their Hope Community School and Hope Orphanage. In collaborating, we are stronger and can positively impact more vulnerable children in Africa. What a wonderful gift this season!

Some of you might remember an older post regarding the students at Shine creating little books about themselves and wanting to share their books with American students. I carefully brought the Shine books back to the states and recently shared them with fourth grade students at Husmann Elementary School in Crystal Lake, IL. The Husmann students were inspired and created beautiful little books to send back to their Zambian pen pals. As I packed the box with these colorful, creative and well written letters, a smile crossed my face. Kids need authentic reasons to write and these little books will bring so much joy to the students at Shine, bridging literacy between two very special schools.

A to Z initially believed providing books was the best approach to help our partners provide literacy education for Zambian children. We have since realized a more comprehensive approach is needed. Simply said: Books alone will not improve Zambia’s literacy rate.

Zambia’s socioeconomic circumstances pose unusual challenges in delivering literacy education. The high incidence of orphans, poverty, and AIDS significantly impair learning. Particularly challenging is the chronic nature of these conditions combined with the daily immediacy of their effects on both the children and our partners. Learning will be impaired and relegated to an afterthought if the effects of these conditions persist.

Children need to be healthy in order to learn. Classrooms must be safe, comfortable and well equipped. Teachers need to engage in professional development, increasing their knowledge of teaching strategies and learning styles.

Delivering literacy is much more involved than we originally imagined, but we remain undaunted. We are adapting our approach to more effectively achieve our mission. Books are still needed, yet so are nutritious school lunches, sturdy desks, well-lit classrooms, and enthusiastic teachers.

Today was one of those days. I have had them in the past.
Today I really missed Zambia.
I missed the sights and sounds.
I missed the smells and food.
I missed the voices and the children.
Zambia is a place I hold close to my heart and I missed it’s beauty today.