PARTNER REPORT Uganda: Children Learn on Vacation, at Art Camp!

This summer, all the children in COTN’s programs enjoyed an incredible art camp, where they got to learn painting, dancing, and music skills! A Venture Team came to help lead the camp, and your generous donations helped provide food and staff to make it possible.

A highlight of the camp was the children learning to play the marimba. A Venture participant brought materials to make marimbas, and the children loved playing them. The music continued long after the team left.

The final term of the school year began in September, and the seventh-grade class is now preparing to take their final exams to graduate from primary school.

Children proudly hold up their color wheels after a lesson at art camp.

Sierra Leone: A Great Start to the School Year!

The children went back to school in September, and Education Specialist Sarah Saunier pronounced this year the best first week of school she has ever witnessed in Sierra Leone!

Here are some ways your gifts are making this year exciting:

Many new teachers were hired. In-country staff are encouraged by the new teachers’ skill and commitment.

Three American teachers are working in COTN’s school through the new “Go Teach” program.

The children have been working hard on their reading skills—2013 is the “year of the reader!”

Henry Tower (back, center), one of our former students, is now teaching at COTN’s school while pursuing his degree in education, all thanks to people like you!

Malawi: New School Year in a New Classroom!

Classes at COTN’s secondary school in Malawi, the International Christian Academy (ICA), began in September. And thanks to generous people like you, the third classroom building was ready for students on the first day of school.

As of October 1, the girls’ hostel walls at the ICA are almost finished. As soon as they are finished, roofing will begin!

This summer, Malawi hosted a teacher training workshop for all three school levels (preschool, primary, and secondary). A Venture Team of teachers brought great materials and ideas to help get our Malawian teachers off to a great start this year!

Children smile on the first day of classes at COTN’s school in Mgwayi.

Education

Third Quarter 2013

Dominican Republic: Reading Starts with Parents

In the Dominican Republic, staff are encouraging our children to read … by teaching their parents!

In September, the first group of parents graduated from adult literacy classes in the Dominican Republic! Many of them were forced to leave school at a very young age to work. “My children used to ask me for help with their homework, but I couldn’t help them,” says Yaquelin, who was among the first graduates. “Now I feel much better. They ask me for help, and I can do it.”

Thanks to you, parents like Yaquelin can be supportive and involved in their children’s education. Her children will do much better in school—and in life—because you are making programs like this possible. Whole families are being transformed!

A class full of parents can now read for the first time in their lives, and are ready to help their children succeed in school!

Haiti: Children are Thankful for School!

Your support is helping children like Saphalouna of Haiti attend school for the first time!

When the earthquake struck Haiti, Saphalouna’s family lost their home and livelihood. Her mother used to sell second-hand clothes from a small stand, but the stand was destroyed and the clothes stolen in the aftermath.

With no income, Saphalouna knew she would never be able to attend school. Your support is changing that. In January Saphalouna was able to begin kindergarten at last. She also began attending COTN’s after-school program. “I am so happy to be able to attend school now,” she says. “Without COTN, I would probably still stay home.” Saphalouna and her mother are so grateful that people

like you are helping her attend school!

You are such an important part of raising children who transform nations! Thank you for your generosity!