This is the story behind the Paypal "donate" button to the right...
One
of my sitemates, Ariel, started going to the preschool in Monapo last
year once a week to read to the children. As an education volunteer,
she was given children's books (in Portuguese) as a sample from a
company called Books for Africa. One week, I decided to join
Ariel at the preschool. After reading one of the books to a room full
of noisy, rambunctious children, we decided to instead sing songs and
play games.
We
quickly discovered that the preschool's space was insufficient for
the 78 children that are there Monday-Friday. Children from three to
six years of age all occupy one small room. There are four open
windows (no glass panes to block out rain) and a thatched grass roof.
There is one traditional latrine for all of the children and they
have no hand-washing stations. The preschool's one teacher, Samuel,
only has one other helper. Rosalina is responsible for making
breakfast, usually a traditional porridge, and preparing juice to
accompany the snacks which the children bring from home. Samuel built
the existing preschool from his own personal money and regularly
gives up part of his salary to buy toys or food supplies.
Samuel
told us that it was his dream to expand the preschool in order to
serve more children. Unfortunately, however, he has been unable to
save for the funds needed. After much discussion, Ariel and I
decided that it would be a good project idea to improve the
preschool. We also decided to convert the preschool into a Community
Child Development Center in the afternoon once the preschool children
return home. Children, youth and adults would be encouraged to use
the center as a library- to read books, do homework, play educational
games, etc. The Center would allow all members of the community to
have access to books and a safe place to learn instead of limiting
access to only those children attending the preschool.
Unfortunately,
most Mozambican adults do not realize the importance of early
childhood education. Parents often delay the education of their
children until primary school which students begin between the ages
of 6 and 8. My neighbor, Carla, is in 6th grade and can
barely get through a beginner-level book. Another neighbor, Eddie, is
in 2nd grade and just learned how to write his name at my
house. It is not uncommon for a high school student to be illiterate.
But the lack of help at home isn't the only problem. Even if a child
wanted to practice reading, where would they do so? Their schools
don't have books. There is no Community Library. Surely they don't
have books at home.
Therefore,
in addition to rehabilitating the space at the preschool, we hope to
raise enough money to purchase the whole Portuguese set of books
(over 200) from Books for Africa that range in difficulty for
primary to high school students. In the afternoon, people will be
welcome to come to the Center and read with their children and
younger siblings or by themselves.
With
the construction of a new, two-room building, the preschool children
will be devided according to age. The project will also provide
funding for Samuel to employ an additional teacher. Besides the
preschool, there are no other organizations in the community
providing structure and resources to young children in Monapo. Many
parents do not understand the benefit of early childhood education
and those who do may not have a guaranteed placement for their child
in the preschool. This project aims to create a better learning
environment for the children enrolled in the preschool while also
creating an early childhood development center available to everyone
in the community. Along with providing resources to educating young
children, the center will aim to advocate amongst parents and youth
the importance of beginning education at a young age.
I
cannot count the number of times I've had someone tell me (or write
to me) that they admire what I am doing here in Moz and wish they
could help. Well, this is your opportunity. Normally I am not a fan
of simply doling out money as a form of aid. But this preschool is
already fully functioning. There is no room for failure because we
are investing in something that already exists and works. But there
is a tremendous need for growth and improvement and your donations
will help Samuel and the community of Monapo achieve this.
If you'd like any more information, please feel free to contact me at adriennerlong@gmail.com. Or see my sitemate's website at http://justsoyum.wordpress.com/build-a-preschool/.
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