Their reading and math skills improve every day. We use Rosetta Stone for English. They love using a computer. We have helped several Zambian children gain a working knowledge of English which is important since the official Zambian language is English and its laws and most schools are in English.
Not only do they learn the verbal language, but to read and spell it as well. This supports our efforts to help them become fluent readers. I sooooo desire that our little students develop a passion for learning. Most Zambian people do not read for pleasure. Talk of stories or authors just doesn't exist here as very few families own books. They have cell phones, televisions and satellite dishes but books don't seem to be a priority in most households.
In the picture below, Winnie takes her turn with Rosetta Stone English lessons while Gloria looks on. I cannot say enough good about this program.
Both girls are reading fluently which is highly unusual for students their ages in this country. Average class size in Zambian public schools is over 50 students per teacher. I have worked with children ranging in ages from 7 to 15. NONE of them read fluently.Last night I had the opportunity to chat with a couple different friends (Hi Stacey and Tina!) on Facebook. It is always fun to connect with people from home but tonight's conversations were enlightening as well. I sometimes forget how far removed from the realities of Zambian life most Americans are . Much of the daily struggles we face in this country do not exist in the United States. The constant interruption in water, sewage, and electric service, especially without warning, was not even a blip on our radar at home yet are taken in stride here.
In this age of electronic transactions, a HUGE difference between cultures is the way business is conducted. One of the many pleasures I enjoyed during my visit to the States last fall was the ability to use my debit card in a matter of seconds. Here, very few stores offer the service and those that do are extremely inefficient due to dial-up Internet which is not working more often than it does.
Not only does it take ten or more minutes to process the transaction, but in many instances it is denied without explanation. This is a serious problem for us since we have no other way to access our funds other than a debit card. Mine simply doesn't work here. Of course electronic transactions don't happen in the open markets which is where most Zambians shop.
An ability to calculate math facts quickly is essential in a cash-based environment. All financial dealings are handled with cash, lots of it. A pumpkin cost 5,000 Zambian Kwacha, a few carrots are 2,500, and a stack of tomatoes is 15,000. Every trip to the market requires mental sharpness for without it, a person WILL be cheated. If the vendors see that a customer struggles to calculate, that customer is marked with each subsequent visit. Likewise, such a person has little chance at operating a successful business without the ability to calculate totals and change.
As you can imagine, a person who has mastered simple math facts has an advantage. I'm not exactly sure why they aren't drilled in government schools or at least they are not according to the children I have spoken with.
All of this to tell you how thrilling it is for our family to see Winnie and Gloria excel in reading, math, spelling, and scripture memorization. Not only does this give them much needed life skills, but it also has given them a level of confidence not often seen in children. If I can figure out how to post a video, I will put one up of them reciting their memory verses. It will bring tears to your eyes.
What an honor it is to partner with YOU to make a difference in these children. We could not do this without your love, encouragement, and prayers. Thank you for holding us up in prayer. God is changing lives through our partnership with you.
Winnie and Gloria have a better outlook because of the advancements they have made in our home. How awesome is that!
Blessings and joy,
Beckie
