WS Chronicle

Last weekend members of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and St. Stephens Episcopal Church joined together to host a fundraiser for  local Freedom Schools. Although the threat of rain never materialized, the chill in the air couldn’t dampen  the spirits of the attendees.

Winston-Salem Freedom Schools is a six-week summer program designed to increase literacy, self-esteem, socio-emotional skills, a love of learning, and civic engagement for children in grades K-12. Through a research-based and multicultural program model provided by Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools, students are inspired participants, known as “scholars,” who spend their summer learning about and believing in their ability to make a difference in themselves, their families, and their communities, with hope, education, and action.

Each morning of Freedom School, scholars, instructors and college students shake off the morning rust by participating in a Kenyan tradition called “harambee,” which means “all pull together” in Swahili. During harambee, students get to share interesting facts about themselves, sing popular songs infused with motivational chants, and practice the latest dance moves.

After the morning welcome, students split into groups and a day filled with learning, fun, and excitement begins.Throughout the six-week program, special guests stop by and read to students.

During the fundraiser held on Saturday, April 30, parents and students had the opportunity to see what Freedom School is like. The event included storytelling, STEM, activities and guest speakers. There was also food, live music, arts and crafts, a cake walk, and a raffle with the chance to win several different prizes. 

Although the total raised wasn’t available on Saturday, early estimates exceeded $5,000 in donations.