Ending the last week of CDF Freedom Schools hasn’t been anything but success. It’s the growth of the children in the community that is breath-taking. For six weeks, scholars and staff went through Team Dynamics (Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing) to see that success. Servant Leaders engaged the scholars with the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) that ensure that they really can make a difference in their: Selves, Families, Communities, Country, and World, with Hope, Education, and Action!

Looking back to week one and two, some scholars have developed an increase in self-esteem. It is amazing how CDF Freedom Schools generates positive attitudes through reading, and not only that, but through Nutrition, Health, and Mental Health. Scholars have learned to trust the Servant Leaders and staff and have created a bond that let’s them know they are safe here at Tribe One CDF Freedom Schools. For those scholars who disliked reading; they began to love reading, and for those who liked reading; they developed an enhanced appreciation.

This is a poem written by one of the level 2 (3rd through 5th graders) Tribe One CDF Freedom Schools classrooms. It was separately written by ten scholars about their hopes and dreams and then combined into one poem:

Dreams

Can dreams come true?
Well a dream is a wish…
A wish your heart makes…

I want the ball to make the hoop
I want to tackle all obstacles
I want my hands… These hands to tell stories

I want my life to reveal itself through Art
I want to help my community with the skills I learn
I want my power to conquer ALL

I want the crowd to scream my name
I want my caring nature to be contagious
I want my lyrics to bring joy

I want my love to spread to all species of life
I want my knowledge to create new things
I want to teach others the lessons I have learned.

… Because I have a Dream!

Our scholars have talent they didn’t even know they had! Throughout the six weeks, scholars have been engaged in Enrichment Activities that range from sports, media, dance, gardening, and learning leadership through motion. This is not just a summer program; it’s a movement. This is a movement to better our selves, our community, our country, and our world. Our scholars and staff refuse to let statistics against us beat us.

“Most young people are trying to go to school, trying to do right and trying to live by the rules. They’re beating the odds every day. We celebrate them. We train them. And despite the obstacles, they’re staying in school, they’re going on, and they’re trying to give back to their community.”

President, Children’s Defense Fund