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Clearing The Streets Of Detroit
It was a sunny summer day and classrooms in an urban Eastside Detroit elementary school were surprisingly full. The 128 youth, who normally spent their summers on the streets, are in classrooms eagerly learning basic math, reading, and computer skills. Welcome to the Bless-A-Child supported Dream Team Summer Program, where dreams of academic success become a reality for students in grades first through tenth all because someone cares!
For the past three summers OBI Detroit center leader Christana Wade has used mass mailings and flyer distribution to cover area neighborhoods with announcements of each year's Dream Team Summer Program. In turn, hundreds of urban kids have had the opportunity to work with a computer for the first time, practice reading skills, crunch numbers, and even just play in a safe environment for six "hope filled" weeks. Each day, a team of paid certified teachers, volunteer cafeteria staff, and peer mediators take students under their wings. "Where there is primary learning taking place, we want to make sure to provide the best possible teachers," said the former dance teacher. Peer mediators take an active role in researching and planning written assignments, and other daily events. Activities also include dance classes for interested pupils, as well as crafts, games, and gym fun.
For some, the lunch served freely by the city is the only meal they eat all day. Many poor families rely on the school system's meal programs during the school year. Tragically, they can't afford to feed their children during the summer months.
Within the first week of taking office, President George W. Bush unveiled his education plan. "Today, nearly 70 percent of inner city fourth graders are unable to read at a basic level on national reading tests. Our high school seniors trail students in Cyprus and South Africa on international math tests. And nearly a third of our college freshmen find they must take a remedial course before they are able to even begin regular college level courses," shared The President.
"I find inner city kids to be very delightful, warm, and loving after you get through the hard crust exterior," comments Christana.
After taking home a Bible to practice reading, Dominique wrote, "It showed me how to not take my mom for granted."
Another said, ""That book changed my mind about doing the wrong thing. The book is powerful because it healed me when I was in pain. I'm so glad you gave me it because my family needed it."
Throughout the summer, relationships between parents, community volunteers and Dream Team staff were built, opening the door for further ministry. To cap off the program's end, the students showed off their hard work to parents during, "The Finale" night. There was even a hip-hop dance routine last summer!
As this summer quickly approaches, Christana plans on including educational field trips, a science section and other events and activities to help the program grow. Christana has been serving with OBI since 1984 and enthusiastically states, "We get on board with what ever OBI has!"
Please assist OBI with this year's Bless-A-Child program! It is people like you who make it possible for the "Christana Wades" to bring hope to our children.
Bless-A-Child today...
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