Jenny Learns Her ABC's
Headphones fit snugly around Jenny’s ears. The seven-year-old
paid close attention to the computer as she practiced her second grade reading
skills. It was had to believe that life was so different for Jenny. She
knew the alphabet, but didn’t understand the sounds that each letter
made. Operation Blessing’s Bless a Child program had a hand in making
things clearer for this eager student.
Jenny’s California home life is crowded but full of love. Housing
costs in the Santa Ana area are so high that her parents can’t afford
a place of their own right now. She, her parents and four siblings live
with two cousins and aunt in a two bedroom mobile home. In addition to
struggling financially, it is difficult for the Latin American parents
to help Jenny with basic reading skills because they haven’t grasped
the English language yet.
The family was grateful when they found out about a nearby after school
center. Operation Blessing’s partner, Templo Calvario runs this
program as part of Bless a Child. Tutors began working with Jenny on a
one-on-one basis every day after school. She was given flash card to take
home and encouraged to practice. Soon, the quick learner began to correctly
pronounce the sounds of letters and read small words. Jenny began looking
forward to going to school. She even began reading aloud in class!
A couple of months after Jenny joined our center, her mother came to
visit Templo Calvario. She excitedly shared that her daughter had won
an award for best reader in her class. The proud mother began to cry and
said, “I’m so happy. I never thought my children would have
the opportunity to learn the language that I never knew. I can’t
begin to thank you for all the work you have done for my children.”
Through Templo Calvario and many other outreach centers across the country,
Operation Blessing assists in providing a safe, comfortable environment
for at-risk children to do their homework, eat healthy snacks and receive
free tutoring throughout the school year. There are many more boys and
girls like Jenny who need some personalized attention in order to succeed
in class. Encourage a child to stay in school by giving a generous gift
today.
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