“Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” By Rabindranath Tagore
Surprises Show Up!
Last week I shared a message from Brian and thank you for the feedback. He is on the right track and has a very promising future.
This “Friends of Copey” business is an ongoing experience full of surprises. I am always ready for surprises and I enjoy sharing these with “Friends”.
Last week I received a group of letters (unsolicited) from Copey Learning Center (CLC) students addressed to “Friends of Copey”.
These students are younger than Brian. Their messages are positive and you will appreciate the influence we are having on these students.
Kenneth is only a 7-year-old and a recipient of the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund. Most likely, he is from a home where little or no English is spoken. At one point a few years ago, this would resemble Brian’s skill level.
A second letter is from Dayana. She is a 14-year-old demonstrating the advanced level of English proficiency she has obtained. She is also a scholarship recipient and conveys a very positive attitude and optimism about her progress and self-worth. She shows a strong command of English and her penmanship is very impressive. These are only two of about 10 letters I have received. More letters will be shared next week. 
If you are new to “Friends of Copey”, please consider there is not much opportunity for these students to learn English until they make it to the CLC. And, many of these young kids will not get to the CLC without the help of “Friends”. I am continuously uplifted to see this evidence of our efforts “making a difference!”
Next…Strike Up the Band!
Last week, we achieved a very major milestone in our five years working with the CLC. The Skype connection/meeting between Jefferson Elementary Students (Kiwanis K-Kids) and CLC students has been successfully accomplished after more than three years trying. Remember…“one step for man…one giant step for mankind”? (Un-PC’d) Feels very similar.
This was a system’s test to see if the connections would finally work. Only the officers of the 
Kiwanis K-Kids at Jefferson and selected students proficient in English at CLC participated in this first test session. This photo was taken during the exchange as both ends using laptops to communicate. Notice the big smiles on the CLC students’ faces?
The future is promising as we now know we can begin seriously planning presentations on various topics of interest to both groups of students.
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children” said Nelson Mandela.
How wonderful. I was so pleased with Brian last week. He has come along way since this time last year! Kenneth, being 7 years old, just blew me away with his letter. His sister is the one Who ended up in my lap every chance she got. Dayana is an excellent writer. Kudos to their teachers. They are on the right track and it is really showing. What a proud moment for all!
You are one with a very rare perspective. You have been to the mountain and seen the promise land. Always a blessing to be with you…one of the chosen ones. Jane always know you are close and dear to my heart. Love you!