|
Children's Functional
Literacy Reading Program
For the past few years the founder of
Guyanese Outreach, Ruth Singh, realized there was a critical need to
help children learn to read. This vision became a reality in March
2005 when GO started the After School Functional Literacy Program at
the Skeldon Primary School Annex and the GMO building, Springlands.
GO’s program is designed to help those
children that are in need. There are many children that cannot read
nor write at a functional level. These children could ask their
teachers for help after school, but this would require parents
paying for the additional instruction.
Guyanese Outreach realizes that a child
cannot learn to read without proper knowledge in phonics, which is a
foundation for success in reading. GO’s program focuses on phonics
and is designed to complement the reading curricula at the public
school level in Guyana. Go’s supplemental curricula has been
approved by the Education Department for Region 6.
 The
functional literacy program currently includes 8 satellite locations
in and around Corriverton with sixteen teachers specially trained in
phonics by Guyanese Outreach.
Dr. Janis Cushnie, program advisor,
employed by Region 6 to teach phonics, has trained our staff in
several workshops.
U.S. teams continue to add creativity,
puppetry and crafts to make learning fun. The parents’ response to
GO’s literacy classes has been very enthusiastic and approximately
500 students have enrolled in the functional literacy program since
its inception.
 These
teachers generally live in the same villages where the classes are
held. The majority of them have not been formally trained as
teachers. But they are dedicated to improving these children’s lives
by teaching them to read. The teachers understand that education is
critical for these children to have a future and a hope to better
their lives. The teachers are paid a small stipend for their
transportation. GO found this stipend was absolutely necessary in
order to ensure that all teachers are able to teach classes on a
regular basis.
 Through
a partnership with Food for the Poor, GO is able to give these
children a warm cup of milk before class begins since they are in
the Public school all day until 2:30 p.m and arrive at GO Vo-tech at
3:00 p.m. They come out not only to learn but some are also
physically hungry. These children range in age from seven to eleven
years. The program accommodates literacy skills up to the sixth
grade. Through this Functional Literacy Program GO is hoping to gear
more students to the Secondary level rather than to the vocational
track.
Another group of children, called
“TOPS,” come to GO’s Vo-tech for some additional help. These
students have not been able to pass the required Grade 6 examination
and are geared to vocational training instead of going on to
Secondary Level. Guyanese Outreach is dedicated to helping these
TOPS’ students learn skills that will enable them to earn not only a
livelihood, but to build their self esteem.
GO also offers free computer classes
with educational software for children where by they are not only
becoming computer literate but also allow them to be creative.
GO’s functional literacy program has
been a resounding success. In 2007 and 2008, GO plans to expand to
20 satellite locations from Crabwood Creek to New Amsterdam. As of
2007, the two classrooms at the Votech building are no longer
adequate to house all of the enrolled students and GO is currently
seeking space and funds to build an addition to the current
facility. Without funding GO will not be able to maintain the
current classes or embark on the planned expansion. Any donations
are greatly appreciated.
 GO
also teaches an Abstinence character based sex education program.
There is a high rate of HIV/AIDS, STI’s in Guyana. These classes are
taught so as to build teens self esteem so that they are able to
make the right choices thus enabling them to have a bright and
fruitful future.
GO appeals to you for your participation
in this project. Please team with us to help the children for
education is the best gift we can offer them for a brighter future.
|
