Freedom Schools was a huge success for the 500 scholars and 60 Servant Leader Interns at the 6 sites this summer. Motivational songs and read-aloud guests every morning was an exciting way to start the day. The scholars participated in reading curriculum each morning, and learning activities in the afternoons. Some of these activities included Field trip Friday’s to Tree Farm, Newport Aquarium, the Zoo, and Young’s Jersey Dairy. These provided the scholars enriching opportunities to explore beyond their communities. The Day of Social Action included community focused social action rallies at the sites and the opportunity to speak out against gun violence (This year’s Day of Social Action focus area). Weekly parent meetings were held to engage the families with the positive learning experiences of Freedom Schools. The program’s impact extends beyond the scholars and Servant Leader Interns to the communities served by the program each year.
On July 20th and 21st, each of the 6 sites held their program finales, performing motivational songs, presenting acts and skits from what they’ve learned at Freedom Schools over the summer, showing a slideshow of their reading and activity experiences, or hosting an art show of each classroom’s activities throughout the summer. The scholars loved showing their parents what they learned at Freedom Schools this year, and the parents were excited to see how their children have benefited and grown this summer.
