Libraries are safe havens for kids, providing after-school homework help, games, and book clubs. Reading breeds curiosity and stimulates the imagination and appetite for writing one's own stories. At Hope for Youth school, many children find the time for the library their best time at school because they want to listen to their teachers read stories about places and children of the world. This library is now a place where they discover the heroes in their lives.
Our school library is well stocked with a variety of age-appropriate books in English and other local languages and has now become a place that creates a love of reading for these children. However, there is a challenge of a lack of chairs and reading tables to provide a decent reading environment for them. We also need to expose our students to computers to learn basic technology skills so as not to be left behind in this 21st century.
This project is committed to helping children and adults develop the skills needed to survive and thrive in a global information society. The ability to read and use computers is at the forefront of these skills. A good reading environment where children can sit comfortably is one catalyst for good learning. Books alone may not give good answers to the questions children have, but by connecting with others, they shall be able to discuss and learn about many issues of concern in their lives.
Over time, these children will be able to read and understand, write their stories, discuss with each other and learn about respect and compassion for others, becoming aware of their own and others' rights. They will learn to care for and respect their environment and learn that what they say and do can affect how others feel. They'll learn how to be a good friend! Computer skills for children and teachers will improve. National test scores for these children will gradually improve too.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
