February 2016
Dear friend of Matènwa,
We are always pleased to update you on some of our program
activities. Our weekly school assembly continues to be a big hit
among students and staff. The performances are great and often carry
important messages that students want to share with the community.
For example, the second graders recently performed a song with the
following lyrics: “Education enriches us. It uplifts us all when we
are down. Collaborate, lend your support. Education does not fall
from the sky. Join hands with us so this great work can continue.
Let’s put our minds together so we can work even better.”
What we are Learning in Health Class
The third graders’ had a great discussion with the school nurse on
what good personal hygiene consists of . Together they
talked about how bathing frequently, brushing one’s teeth 2 to 3 times a day,
wearing clean clothes, and sleeping in a clean bed all help
keep the body clean and healthy.
The High School
The High School
In keeping with MCLC’s elementary reading model, the secondary school
also encourages pleasure reading. Pictured here are the eighth graders in the library. They have each selected a new book for the week.
Training Update
To help fight economic insecurity in Matènwa, GreaterGood is piloting a
jewelry-making initiative with a small group of artisans and MCLC parents.
GreaterGood facilitated another workshop this month on how to make
earrings, which will be for sale on GreaterGood.com. If the
earrings sell well, the artisans will continue to receive technical
assistance. They will earn fair wages for their work and be able to
provide for themselves and their families.
Our teacher trainers at MCLC’s Institute of Learning are excited to
see positive changes beginning to take shape at most of our partner
schools. In the pictures above and below, you can see materials posted on
what are usually bare walls of a classroom at the Community School
of Denyèmak and students working in their new garden at the
Agodag School. The Matènwa model is spreading!
Samila Edmond, MCLC Direction Committee and Chris Low, Executive Director FOM
