Yesterday at LitClub, I asked each boy as he walked through the door, “What was a moment when you were proud of yourself this past week?

“A good report card;”

“Last catch in a football game;”

“A birthday coming up this Saturday, and it’s the only thing I’m able to think about right now.”

As I sat, I looked around at them and knew that they were proud of themselves because they had all done something simple but amazing. And that they were the better for it. I’m glad that LitClubs allow children to see their own perfections and wonderments; allow them to discover the knowledge that they each radiate amazement all the time.

--Submitted by Boys LitClub Facilitator David

Looking back at the activities we had engaged in; everyone had a reason to smile. The games we played, the songs we learned, and the unforgettable LitWorld Summer Camp. The celebrations started with friendly competitions between the boys and girls. We had a spelling be, a "tomato race" and a dance-off! The children danced their hearts out and enjoyed every moment on the dance floor. 

Finally, it was time to give closing remarks. Some were painful as the outgoing members wished the others a peaceful stay and prosperous club sessions next year. “We will miss the moments we shared but the time has come for us to say goodbye and thank you all for everything we went through at the LitClubs,” said Diana. “I am now a LitClub Ambassador and from now onwards, I will spread the Seven Strengths. A big thanks to the LitWorld community for helping me reach this far in terms of character development and the Children of Kibera Foundation for bringing us this family that today I have to say goodbye to,” remarked Eric. We hope to have even a more adventurous season next year.

--Submitted by LitClub Facilitator Jeff

This session was aimed at improving their self esteem, and in turn increasing the value they place upon themselves. As a number of the older boys are preparing to sit for their national exam, it was in order for them get a few tips on the ways to tackle the challenge ahead of them with confidence. They also filled out self-esteem assessment tests to gauge their levels of self-worth.

Meanwhile, the younger LitClub members took part in an activity that was coordinated by the founders of the Cookbook Project, Alisa Bellifield and Adam Aronovitz. The duo had previously visited the LitClubs and taught the boys healthy dietary habits. On this day, they planted various seeds to grow highly nutritious plants. They also learned about the nutritional value of the plants that will soon sprout from the tiny cans. "We hope to enjoy the fruits of our labor soon," said one of the boys.
 

It was a happy moment for the Boys LitClub on Sunday last week as they gathered at the new LitWorld Club Hub. The joy and enthusiasm the boys expressed about owning a new space showed that they are eager to make good use of these resources. 

The LitWorld Club Hub offers a library full of extraordinary children's literature, a computer lab and spacious TV room, and a clinic. This is a transforming space, within these walls, the Girls and Boys LitClubs will enhance their literacy levels, social skills, physcial skills and other knowledge such as computer and library use.

On the same day, the Boys Club received books and stationary generously donated by friends of the Children of Kibera Foundation, the Norton and Doddys families. Among the books were the Adventures of TinTin and Adventures of Asterix series. The stationary will be used during each session to create stories and art projects.

 ~ Jeff

 

This week the younger Polo Grounds Community Center LitClub worked on their official LitClub poster together.

The boys drew pictures and wrote words - "Passion," "Teammate," "Confidence" - that they felt embodied both the LitClub and them individually. Once the poster is completed next week it will be taped up in the hallway outside the door of our LitClub meeting room, to represent the experiences and stories we shared over the course of our LitClub time together.

Greg, a wonderful host for the day, talked about his experience working in business and books, and how to achieve your dream in today's complex world. He taught the young men the importance of a warm greeting and firm handshake when meeting new people.

Thank you to Scholastic and Greg Worrell for a truly AMAZING afternoon!

~ Jeff

This past Sunday, the Litworld Boys LitClub had the chance to revisit these foundational elements towards the establishment of a stronger ‘literacy block’. The Boys made paintings that illustrated their ambitions, dreams and hopes. Some of the paintings also communicated their novel experiences as dwellers of the Kibera Slums and the challenges they face daily. Some indicated their obsessions, emotions and the realities that put them in touch with their surrounding. The drawings were like expressive gestures that to them drives home a permanent message for those who care to look and listen.

The occasion also served as a proper chance for some of them to sharpen their skills on their dream careers and a platform to demonstrate their talents. 'Painting washes away the soul the dirt of everyday’s life' - Pablo Picasso.

~ Jeff

*Our Boys LitClub in Pasig City, Philippines is done in partnership with the Real Life Foundation.

The boys at the Boys LitClub were a bundle of energy and excitement as they met for the second time. When I brought out our read aloud book, they gathered around wanting for the opportunity to read a paragraph out to the rest of the group. Luckily, there were enough pages in the book for everyone to have a turn!

I brought special gifts from LitWorld to this session, our globe balls, which everyone loved. Using the globe balls, I had the boys answer our question of the day: "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

The boys shouted out cities and countries from different continents, expressing their dreams to see the world.

A boys litclub participant (pictured above) took our read aloud book from the session and sat with it on his own, eagerly reading the text on his own. It was inspiring to see him want to read so much- he even wanted to stay longer just to read!

Special thanks to volunteer Michelle for helping me facilitate this week's Boys LitClub!

- written by LitCorps Ambassador Ruby Veridiano

Mike facilitating a read aloud inside the Community Center...

While Joe's Boys LitClub meet outside!

A new beginning, with stories abound.