Rubanda’s New Kindles – by Dr. Caroline Brown
Ever have trouble getting your kids to sit down and read? Not a problem at the Rubanda Solidarity Primary School! In February 2014 we traveled to the school to meet with parents, teachers, administrators, PTA, and the sponsored children, to see how Yamba Abaana USA was doing to help meet their most urgent needs, and to plan for the future. We had been thinking about Kindle e-books for some time, and wondering whether they would be useful in an area where there are few books and limited electricity, but many knowledge hungry children. Thanks to generous donations from our donors, we were able to bring four Kindles, each loaded with 70 age- appropriate books. I spent time planning a teaching session, wondering how difficult it would be for me to explain the unfamiliar technology. I worried about it right up until I showed several teachers and a small group of students how to turn them on.
I needn’t have worried! The Kindles were taken out of my hands and eager groups gathered around to turn the “pages” and begin reading classic English and American children’s literature, as well as stories of hope and encouragement by well known African authors. I was asked the occasional question, but apparently the use of new technology is a universal skill for kids and young adults!
A young, enthusiastic teacher, Diana Orishaba, now supervises the program. In the month since we’ve been back we’ve received two updates about how enthusiastic the children are. They are now never late to class so that they can participate in Kindle sessions, and check them out after hours to continue their reading. The only problem is that there are only four Kindles for more than 300 children!
The Board of Directors will be reviewing ways to support and expand this program in the future.
Caroline Brown, MD (wife of “Dr Bruce” and enthusiastic supporter of Yamba Abaana)