Sharing the Joy of Reading with the African Child
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News
Advance copies of the
newly-published Kente for a King arrived in Winnipeg
on September 9, 2009. This beautifully illustrated book will be available
for distribution to libraries and stores in December.
In July 2009, Leila
Osman and Stephi Bell,
two volunteers from Ottawa, Ontario, teach recorders to enthusiastic library
members at the Kathy Knowles Community Library. The 80 recorders were
generously donated by the Ottawa Folklore Centre.
Saucers Annual Fundraising Dinner
Joan Graham,
a long-time OCLF volunteer, and Abigail Elisha, a librarian visiting from
Ghana, enjoy OCLF's fundraising dinner at Saucers Cafe in Winnipeg on
June 16, 2009. Abigail is holding hand knit toys made by Brenda
Graham, Joan's daughter.
On
June 4, 2009, Kathy Knowles received an Honorary Doctorate
of Laws in the field of Education from Queen's University in Kingston.
She is standing with David Dodge, Queen's Chancellor (r) and Thomas R.
Williams, Queen's Principal (l)
Book
Launch and
other News
Masawoud and his mother, Adama, join
Kathy on the stage of the Nima Centre in April 2009 for the book launch
of The Lucky One.
There was a lot of
action at the first annual Library Sports Festival held
in November 2008.
Drama members
from the Goi library in a performance about malaria and its prevention.
The
Kathy Knowles Theatre Company put on a moving performance of The
Legend of Aku Sika at the Nima Centre.
(more about drama programs)
Library members enthusiastically
carry the Canadian and Ghanaian flags for the annual KKCL sponsored
walk.
Students
from the St. Cecilia School Library in Ho write their
own stories!
On August 27, 2009 Kathy Knowles visited Kinston, North Carolina, and spoke to the Kinston Rotary Club and Nancy Saunders of the Kinston Free Press. The Club generously sponsors high school scholarships for deserving members of the Nungua Community Library of Accra.
September 13, 2009
"I've decided that I'm going to apply to do my Masters in Literacy Education next fall. I just thought I'd let you know because it is definitely my experience in Ghana and my subsequent volunteering as a literacy tutor that has led me down this path. Witnessing the impact that OCLF has had on so many people is inspiring and I am excited about participating more in this field of work! Thanks Kathy!"
Laurel Hansen (volunteer reflections link)
Kathy reads My Happy Book with Peace, the featured character in the book, and her friends.
Haruna Nuhu, an enthusiastic volunteer librarian from Tuutingli, Ghana, encourages a library member. Haruna has done so since 2001!
A young girl in northern Ghana uses a pointer to help other library members read aloud in unison.
Many librarians wear their Joy of Reading staff uniforms for the group picture after the workshop.
Children eagerly read OCLF books (see our catalogue)
Words of encouragement
Doe Agnenu, Ghana Education Service,Goi-Ada, Ghana: "The moment you enter you will have a flare for reading." This quote refers to the Kathy Knowles Community Library in Goi (July 2009)
Miranda Dodd, Timbuktu, Mali: The school is still going in the desert. I was not present when the books were given out but I am told and can believe they were thrilled to see their pictures in the books. To look at all the pictures they were happy to tell each other stories based on the pictures. (January 2009)
Samuel Maclean, Quantity Surveyor, Accra, Ghana: I think the Osu Children's Library Fund is growing bigger and bigger and is a better managed NGO than others I know of. I also think the Fund is not getting enough coverage in the media as it should...Well done again. (September 2008)
Isaac Appiah, President of the Ghanaian Illustrators' Association: "Kathy, we are very happy for the initiative and the thought given to us. We owe the renewal and revival of the Association to you and we shall always remember you for this."
Lucas Aligire, librarian at the Sumbrungu Library, Upper East region, Ghana: Your book "Fati and the Old Man" was the best borrowed book on record. Thank you. (April 2008)
Sister Natividad from the Philippines: You have been my first inspiration since I came across Deborah Cowley's write up about you in Reader's Digest, March 2001. Now you have come a long way to see us through. I praise and thank God for your giftness to literacy development all over the world. (July 2007)
Mary from Tanzania: Thank you for the books, they were a big "hit" in Tanzania. We look forward to ordering more for future programs (December 2006)
Loise Kithuka from Kenya: I am a librarian. I went through your web site on children's libraries and I was very impressed. So keep up the good work. (April 2006)
Richmond Etsey Dzikushie from New Adenta, Ghana: If it wasn't for you and your family I wouldn't have cultivated the habit of reading. I really thank you for the motivation you gave us when we were young and even now. I really thank you very much,and hope to live by my words of bringing a Library to New Adenta. (March 2006)