The Sundays Project
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Congratulations to the First Advanced Graduating Class of the Sundays Project! June 30, 2010
Now they can truly be called Families for Academic Achievement!
Back row – Santiar Kutta, Kercy Sainas, Sakrina Wainit, Schok Achuo, Cathsy Nathan, Catherine Nathan and Merleen William. Front row – Taiory Taira, Dolores Tommy*, Grace Lorenzo. (Not pictured: Gloria Liwis and Antonina Michael*) *Perfect Attendance
The Fale (Samoan style meeting house) was decorated, traditional Pacific Island foods were cooked and music rang out with the sounds of Chuukese hymns on June 30, 2010. Ten women grinned from ear to ear as their names were called out as they received graduation certificates, a hand shake, and made a pledge to help their children succeed in school through specific family behaviors. They were so proud of their accomplishments – as they should be. Two women had perfect attendance.
These families committed a total of 13 weeks working with HPIRC staff on learning to read report cards, setting up nighttime and morning schedules, getting their children to sleep and school on time and pledging to keep up the good work. These ladies worked closely with us to discover hidden yet unique solutions to epidemic academic problems in their community. They pledged to spread these simple solutions within their homes and with community members.
Through a series of ‘talk story’ sessions they learned from their peers how to help with homework, talk gentler to their kids and communicate with their child’s teacher. “I am so excited about what we have learned and how my family has changed because of the program. We are happier and so are my kids” says Grace Lorenzo, one of the graduates. Grace is now enrolled in English class and was able to advocate for her daughter, getting her enrolled into the classroom of her choice for the next school year. Congratulation to this pioneering group of women!
Learn more about The Sundays Project
It is our belief that solutions to educational challenges are available within the affected community itself; it is up to us to help define what issues the community is willing to tackle, find the “positive deviants” in the community... Learn more >>