So we have an exciting new program kicking off in a few weeks.
It is called READ FOR LIFE.
It is a library program.
Majority of children here will never go to a library, or own their own books.
The children in the slums especially struggle with reading, as education is very poor, and the concept of being read to by an adult just doesn't happen.
Research shows clearly that the younger children are exposed to books and a love of reading the better they will do in every area of schooling.
For these children to have any hope of getting out of poverty they need to do well in their education.
Our program aims to introduce children to a love of reading and books through a library and reading program.
The program will be held at The Salvation Army's Home of Joy - which is the home of disabled children.
The children from the home will come to the program, along with the children in Katanga slums.
The Salvation Army children's home is in perfect location - right alongside this large slum in the heart of kampala.
Eventually we pray that the program will operate out of the slums itself one day when a facility becomes available.
The program runs every saturday during school term from 2 - 5pm.
In the school holidays it runs three times a week - mon, wed and friday.
The children come along and will get fed a banana and some milk ( eventually when funding and space allows we hope to serve a full meal)
Then they split in to two age group 5 - 9 and 9 and above - eventually when we have enough helpers we will move to 3 groups.
At the moment Moses the social worker at the Salvos will be running the older group and helping to head it up when we aren't around and I will be taking the younger group along with another friend who is a social worker.
The children will be in their groups where they will learn letters, read stories, and do activties all to encourage, learning, language and a love for reading.
We will also use this time to tackle various issues, health, hygiene, friendships, abuse etc.
After the individual group time is finished the children will all meet back together for free time to sit and look at books and have the opportunity to borrow a book for a week - an AMAZING thing especially for the children from the slums.
The program is being made possible through donations of books from lions, The salvation army and individuals.
We are in need of more books so we pray more are donated or funds are donated for the purchase of books.
At the beginning everyone involved in the program is a volunteer but one day we hope to be able to pay those people who are giving of their time.
The children have already been coming along to look at books and borrow them but the new program will start on the 13th of August.
We will be sure to take some photos for you of the gorgeous kids from the slums and the home as they discover and learn about books.
Its a great chance for us to also speak encouragement and life into these kids, many who come from the poorest of the poor homes and are often left alone while parents go to find food or anyway of making some sort of income.
We are SO excited about this program - for me ( leah) especially, I LOVE to read.... and seeing the childrens eyes light up and knowing just how life changing learning to read can be for these kids is so exciting!
If you'd like to donate a book or books please let us know - books can either be bought here or send ( although postage is EXTREMELY expensive and long!)
LET THE LEARNING BEGIN :)
