Standing Strong in Nepal
Though stories from Nepal have faded from the news in the months following the earthquake, LitWorld is strengthening and expanding our support in the country. We are in the process of launching five new LitClubs this year and opening a community library with our partners Global G.L.O.W. and The Rukmini Foundation. We will also increase our scope beyond Kathmandu with a new partner, Save the Environment of Nepal. The heart of our work is that children's own stories and life experiences fuel literacy, and that writing down and giving a voice to these stories builds strength and resilience. LitWorld Photographer & Liaison Monet Eliastam visited our Nepal LitClub girls after the earthquake and listened to their stories. Watch this short video to hear the girls' stories in their own words, and witness the power of LitClub in action. If you would like to support the expansion of LitWorld programs, we would be deeply grateful for your gift of any size.
Stories from the Field: LitWorld in Colombia
Our International Program Director, Ana Stern, spent the beginning of the month in Cali and Roldanillo, Colombia with our partners Bibliotec, Museo Rayo and Biblioghetto. She visited each community where LitClubs run and heard about the impact of our programs. During a visit to one of the schools that LitClub members attend, a teacher said that the change in students' openness to sharing, attitudes towards reading, and social awareness since joining LitClub has been an incredible positive change in her classroom. Ana presented LitWorld innovations at the International Conference on Reading, Information and Culture alongside Mabel Bejarano, our Colombia-based Advisory Council member who has been integral in growing our work in this region, and our local program leaders. Attendees told Ana and Mabel that LitWorld stood out because of the positive, strength-based model that we use. We are ready to greatly scale up our programs in this country, with a corps of newly trained LitClub mentors leading the way.
A Moment of Serious Joy
Everyone should be celebrated for being exactly who they are. Giving shooting stars is a signature LitWorld affirmation that LitClub members and mentors give each other for showing strength - the courage to tell a story, to show kindness to others, to follow every curiosity, to be a good friend. This LitCamper's reaction says it all: being honored for being you feels good. Our unique way of cultivating children's reading and writing identities and simultaneously tending to social and emotional well-being sets LitWorld apart. Our Founder Pam Allyn recently shared tips for parents and teachers based on LitWorld's best practices with Scholastic and the International Literacy Association.
Special LitWorld Reminders
It's never to early to start planning for World Read Aloud Day, especially with the dawn of back to school season. February 24th is the big day: start spreading the word! To lend even more support to LitWorld during back to school season, consider shopping for books and supplies on AmazonSmile to donate a portion of your purchase to our programs.