Six star ABC for Life pupils had the privilege of reading to Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Wednesday 13 June.
The learners, aged between seven and nine, took turns reading a story about how ABC for Life started working at Sentinel School in 2007 and how the programme has now grown to provide English and Maths support to over 300 learners a year. The Archbishop was very impressed with their reading skills and gave each student his undivided attention as they told him their goals for the future. Two future doctors, a future mechanic, a future lawyer, a future policeman, and a future president in the room! The Archbishop said he wanted to see them back in his office in 10 years time to see if they were on their way to achieving these impressive goals.
And to end the meeting, he had the children laughing their socks off with his “most important question of all” – Do you have any girlfriends or boyfriends? The students burst out laughing. One second grade girl, Caith SawunYama, said, “No way!” and when he asked “Why?” She replied saying she was much too young for that, but maybe when she was older.
Archbishop Tutu was impressed with ABC for Life’s mission at Sentinel School and encouraged all its members to keep up the good work. ABC for Life is now converting one of its classrooms at Sentinel School for use as a volunteer-run reading programme in order to reach even more learners struggling with basic reading skills. If you are interested in volunteering one hour or more per week reading with primary-aged learners, please contact Diana at dianaseccombe@gmail.com. Volunteers will be trained and need not have teaching experience.
ABC for Life is also in need of some items for its classrooms. Please contact Katelyn at fundingabc@gmail.com if you would be willing to donate any of the following: A portable wash basin, cups and measuring cups, cushions, puzzles and educational games, entry mats, rubbish bins, cabinets that lock, shelves, small tables, office chairs, a microwave and small refrigerator. ABC for Life is always in need of school supplies and, most importantly, financial sponsorship in its drive to support the under-resourced Sentinel School. Please visit our new website www.abcforlife.org to learn more and consider sponsoring this innovative education initiative at Sentinel Primary School.
ABC for Life classrooms made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Simonow, clients of Lola Kramer Realty.
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