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Students Continue Developing Literacy Program in Zambia
HOUGHTON, N.Y. —Houghton College recently sent its second team of students and faculty members to Choma, Zambia to continue in the development and delivery of an English language literacy project that was begun in 2006 in partnership with World Hope International.
This year’s team, led by Associate Professor of Education Cathy Freytag and Instructor of Education Sunshine Sullivan, included nine students with backgrounds in education and/or intercultural studies. Experiences tied to this unique, credit-bearing, service-learning course included advance preparation and research in topics such as intercultural communication and instructional techniques for teaching English to speakers of other languages.
While on the field in Zambia, Houghton students planned and delivered an English language literacy program that served over 80 students from third through ninth grade. Each day, Zambian children would meet in small groups with their Houghton teachers for intense, individualized, culturally-relevant English language instruction.
“Teaching in this context stretched and challenged the Houghton students on many levels, and they came away with an increased ability to problem solve, think creatively, and adapt their instruction to meet the unique needs of their learners,” said Freytag.
“More importantly, each team member grew personally and spiritually as she worked and ministered with the Zambians,” continued Freytag. “This experience very uniquely embodies the Houghton commitment to being scholar-servants.”
Houghton College and World Hope International look forward to expanding and sustaining the literacy initiative in Zambia in the years to come.
