THRASS - improving literacy in Zambia

February 2016                                 Bit by Bit - School Development

Many schools in Zambia are improving their literacy rates through THRASS, “teaching handwriting, reading and spelling skills”. Thanks to our friend, Doug in Victoria some ZMF-C sponsored teachers had some basic instruction in it a few years ago and now Ruhtt Mbumwae is inspired to push on and promote this excellent teaching method!  

Look out teachers!

The 3 community schools that ZMF-C have been involved with rank among the highest academically of all the schools in the district related to a number of motivation strategies mostly introduced by Mrs. Ruhtt Mbumwae. But….that doesn’t mean the standard is high – there are many kids who do not read well or who have basic comprehension.

THRASS will not be underused anymore!

We took ZMF-C sponsored teachers on a tour of 2 Choma schools using THRASS. WOW, amazing.  Listening to the children, watching the teachers and administration in action was inspirational!

Maize, rain, global warming...

January 2016 - Climate change.

Maize planted in December 2015 – It seems rains start later and later each year in Southern Zambia. But we are not Zambians - we are just noticing. What does internet report? 

Some maize fields are barely plodding along because of late and scant rains.

But in the last 4 weeks there have been steady and fairly decent rains.

The field in the photo is planted for the orphans and vulnerable at Butare, a village about 17 km. from Kalomo. The top photo was end of January and the other near the end of February. Slow but sure growth. This field has potential yet! 

In the first photo by January the maize should reach our shoulders. Either Ruhtt’s or mine would be fine!

                             In January 2016

Please pray for continued rains for southern Zambia!

Sue  

                                                                                                                                                                      Its growing!     Maize in February at Butare!