CLUBS OPEN NEW WORLDS TO FREEDOM SCHOOL SCHOLARS

Fifty young scholars from the community are in their final week of Metanoia’s Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom School, a full-day summer learning opportunity that teaches a love of reading and citizenship in equal measure. One of the best compliments of the CDF Integrated Reading Curriculum was the scholar clubs taught each Monday afternoon. 

The clubs invited partners to inspire scholars and teach their own passions and skills. A group of 10 Freedom School scholars learned about diverse subjects from photography to dance to martial arts with passionate and involved mentors. Partners, YoArt, taught scholars photography while The Gibbes Museum helped middle schoolers make connections with art. The youngest scholars learned Karate and soccer skills from longtime partner, Matt Pardieck and his son. Arts and crafts club projects were led by partner, Nakayla Brown. One final club focusing on dance and body movement will be offered by Jaiden Ellington.

“Monday Clubs are important because our scholars are exposed to experiences and opportunities they may not experience otherwise,” said Lindsey Elmore, Freedom School project director. “Scholars are pushed to learn about a variety of things that can foster a passion or cultivate a new hobby.” 

Thank you to all partners who helped make this summer’s clubs a reality. Good job, good job!!

(caption for photo) Another way partners enhance Freedom School is by coming to read a book to scholars during their morning “Harambee” opening assembly. Here, Kenyatta Grimmage of the College of Charleston shares a favorite book about how great it is to get a fresh haircut at the barber!