Funds raised for Laotian literacy

POMFRET — In a collaborative project between the Cultural Arts and reading programs at PCS,  and the Pomfret Public Library,  $1150 was raised for Big Brother Mouse, a Laotian Literacy Project. 

 Students at Pomfret Community School studied Laos during the week of April 7 – 11, the 20th year it has had a cultural arts week program.  In conjunction with their usual weekly reading log, PCS students solicited pledges for time read during cultural arts week. 

 The Pomfret Public Library solicited pledges from Pomfret library patrons and community members for time read during their Drop Everything and Read morning on April 12.  

The money raised will sponsor three three-hour book parties in Laos.  The staff of Big Brother Mouse make what is often a rigorous journey to a rural Laotian village for a three-hour book party which includes time for stories, games, and art and writing projects.  Each child in the village selects a book to keep and each classroom in the village is left with a selection of books. Many of these children have never seen a book other than school textbooks!  This collaborative program shows the children of Pomfret and of Laos the importance and joy of reading and the importance of charitable action and giving.