Josué Cluis, 7, can’t decide which character in his favorite storybooks he would most like to be if he could transform himself. The boy with twinkly brown eyes concentrates hard before answering.
“A dog maybe … or a giraffe,” he laughs. “I read a book about a giraffe who couldn’t dance.” Josué smiles as he describes two of his favorite storybook characters: Clifford the Big Red Dog and Gerald the Giraffe.
Choosing a favorite character should be a rite of passage for every child, but for Guatemalan kids who have never had a book of their own or had a story read to them, it is only a dream.
But Josué’s school has partnered with Child Aid and thanks to our literacy program and supporters like you, Josué gets to meet dancing giraffes, big red dogs and all kinds of new friends who light up his imagination.
For the past three years, his school in Chuimanzana has received books, teacher training and support to ensure that Josué has access to many favorite titles, along with the instruction he needs to develop vital reading and writing skills.
Josué’s father, Lorenzo Chumil Cluis is happy to see his son becoming a strong and enthusiastic reader. It wasn’t an opportunity he had as a young student.
“When I was in elementary school, we didn’t have very many books,” says Lorenzo. “Now, there are a lot of books at the school [the kids] can read. I see that my son is already reading in first grade, and as a dad, I feel very satisfied.”
In November, Josué participated in Child Aid’s Adventures in Reading program at his school. It gives students opportunities to continue developing their reading skills over the school holiday break.
“I sent my son to participate in the Adventures in Reading program. There he can learn more than during the school year, so it is a reinforcement for him,” says Lorenzo. “We were impressed because it’s a program where kids can play games, develop their reading skills and improve their cognitive abilities. It’s very important for the kids.”
Josué attended the program almost every day of the four-week session. He loved playing with his friends, drawing and writing stories. But his favorite activity was reading about the adventures of his favorite oversized red dog and an awkward giraffe.
Since 2010, Child Aid has helped over 50,000 children like Josué learn to read. But there are still countless students who need your support. Join us today and help a new generation of students realize a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.</p>