This summer, First United Methodist Church (FUMC) proudly hosted the second year of the Purdue Freedom School, a six-week program focused on literacy and empowerment for students in grades K-5. This year’s theme, centered around book banning and censorship, provided a unique opportunity for scholars to explore critical issues related to the freedom of expression and access to diverse literature.
Engaging Hearts and Minds
Purdue Freedom School is designed to instill a love for reading and learning. Each morning, scholars participated in an integrated reading curriculum that celebrated diversity and encouraged critical thinking. The afternoons were enriched with STEM activities, field trips, and social action projects, offering a well-rounded educational experience. The program’s success was significantly bolstered by dedicated college-aged mentors and community volunteers who worked closely with the students, ensuring a supportive environment with a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio.
National Day of Social Action
A key highlight of the summer was the Freedom School National Day of Social Action (NDOSA). During this event, scholars shared their insights on book banning and censorship, expressing the importance of diverse voices in literature. The day included a community march, where scholars, their parents, and community members stood together in support of the right to read freely. This powerful experience not only educated the young participants but also encouraged them to become advocates for positive change.
Celebrating Achievements
The program concluded with a lively finale celebration on Friday, July 26, 2024, where scholars showcased their projects, performances, and creative works. Families and community members gathered to celebrate the achievements of the students, who demonstrated impressive growth and creativity throughout the program. The event also featured reflections from Freedom School staff and families, highlighting the program’s significant impact on both scholars and the community.
Building a Stronger Community
FUMC’s involvement in the Purdue Freedom School program reflects its commitment to fostering education and community engagement. The church actively involved parents through empowerment sessions and volunteer opportunities, ensuring a comprehensive support system for the scholars. This collaborative effort between First Church, the Purdue College of Education, and the Freedom School leadership team, led by Dr. Breanya Hogue, has been instrumental in the program’s success.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on this summer, we celebrate our scholars’ achievements and the unwavering support from mentors, volunteers, families, and community members. We look forward to continuing this partnership, supporting the growth and empowerment of our young scholars. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this program. Together, we are fostering a community where education flourishes and every individual is valued.
To learn more about Purdue Freedom School at First Church and how you can support the program, click here.
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