My name is Brooke Sanville, and for over 6 years, I've been actively involved with Neema, whether as a volunteer, staff member, or monthly supporter. I also visited Neema a few times and loved spending time with the students and their children! Some may recognize me as the former Grace Partner coordinator, a role I dedicated three years to before stepping down to focus on caring for my growing family.

Aside from being a wife and mother to two young boys, I also teach first grade at Delaware County Christian School. As an educator, I recognize the significance of reading to children daily. Not only does it lead to enhanced literacy skills, but it also creates better listeners, builds empathy and understanding, and strengthens family bonds. While Neema's childcare workers read to the children during the day, we wanted to ensure that each young mother had the opportunity to read to her child during the evenings and weekends.

During the fall semester, the first grade students at DC focused on answering the essential question, “How do books change lives around the world?” We studied several texts and explored the ways that children from across the globe acquire books. The students were able to recognize that not all families are able to experience the joys of reading due to lack of access and funds. 

As a way to participate in the correction of this injustice, the first graders worked diligently for several weeks to create counting books for the 20 children currently at Neema. Inspired by the book Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book by Muriel Feelings, we selected numbers from 1 to 10 found in the Bible and crafted a page for each number with its Kiswahili and English translation. The students also learned a song to help them learn how to count to 10 in Kiswahili. After completing the books, we prayed together for the recipients.

Emily and Gaëlle delivered the books to Neema last month for the young mothers and the children to enjoy. It fills me with joy to see their positive reception of these books. I eagerly anticipate sharing these heartwarming pictures with my class upon my return from maternity leave in April. If you want to contribute to expanding Neema’s work, please consider becoming a monthly donor.