As the students in Oxford have proven time and time again, reading can be fun.
But for many students at Daniel Axford Elementary, writing really seems to be their forte, and they want to share it with the world.
And now their love of writing will be known across the Atlantic.
Through the international Books of Hope program, student created books made by ten different classes will be shipped to refugee camps, schools, orphanages and hospitals in the African country of Uganda for children to enjoy.
Books of Hope is conducted in collaboration with the Association of Volunteers of International Service, which is an organization that supports human development in developing countries, with special attention paid to the education of children.
The student’s books, which were binded together with color printed, high-end paper thanks to classroom volunteer Jean Dickman and her husband, are a compilation of stories, poems and educational facts they’ve learned throughout the school year.
‘We’ve had fun learning about how important it is to know about our audience and to know what purpose we’re writing for,? said second grade teacher Darlene Harsant during the Books of Hope writing celebration event held last Tuesday.
Harsant said giving students the opportunity to write something knowing someone will eventually read it was what kept them driven.
Last year, only students in Harsant’s class sent the books, but this year involved the entire school.
With the added expenses piling up, Oxford Bank agreed to partner with the school to help fund the creation and shipping of the books.
Both Dickman and Tony Lasher, from Oxford Bank, were presented with plaques for their generosity.
During the special celebration, the students and parents got to see video clips of last year’s books being delivered to school children in Uganda. Students also sang special songs ? including one in the country’s native language of Swahili.
Of course, the parents also got to hear excerpts from their children’s books while at the event.