Freedom school coordinators say the school is changing lives throughout the community
GEORGETOWN, Del. – One program says they’re hoping to address the needs of Sussex County that’s what one program aims do, by launching a Freedom School, and there’s only one other in the state of Delaware. This free program last six weeks, and in that time we’re told it’s giving young scholars a chance for success in the classroom.
Program coordinators tell us, they’re doing more than just educating young students, they’re trying to turn them into young scholars that can make a change in their community. It was implemented by the First State Community Action Agency, Richard Allen Coalition and United Way Delaware.
We’re told the school builds academic skills, which are integrated with high quality STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and reading activities. However, the learning they do at the Freedom school also emphasizes cultural history and social action. Many of the books they read daily, showcase minorities so students at the Freedom school can feel closer to the books that they read, something they say, not many minority students get in school. “So seeing them just light up, and relate to the characters that they learn about has probably been one of the most phenomenal things for me, cause I didn’t get that growing up,” says Jalyn Powell, a program coordinator at the Freedom school.
The students experience African music and drums, sing songs, create chants, interact with one another, and most importantly, read and comprehend books. Those with the freedom school also tell us, they hope this school shows students just how successful they can be. “We’re the boots on the ground, we are in the communities, we know the needs of the community, and we address those needs,” says Bernice Edwards, Executive Director First State Community Action Agency (FSCAA).
Dr. Sandi Hagans-Morris, a program director at FSCAA adds, “You tell me there’s something I can’t do, but when I look in this book, it says that I can so it builds up their self esteem. It helps them to understand why we’re the way we are, what makes me work and what I can do about it and there is something I can do about it.” She adds, “For me, it’s about getting them engaged, encouraged, helping them get motivated and when they go back to school I really believe our children are going to be on the spot with their reading.”
Hagans-Morris says this program has been in the works, and they say they’re excited to help change lives one scholar at a time in Sussex County. However, her and other program directors say, they hope to open a Freedom school in Kent County to make sure all students in Delaware get the best chance at success.
We’re told they are currently at their maximum capacity of 50 students, however if you would like to register your student to be put on the waiting list, just click here.
