Freedom Schools®, an innovative program with documented outcomes, is built upon the twin prongs of inspiring a love for reading and fostering an enhanced feeling of self-worth among participants. Environments created through Freedom Schools are supportive, nurturing, and literature-rich. High expectations are instilled in all enrolled children, through a focus on literacy, cultural heritage, parental involvement, servant leadership, and social action.
Freedom Schools operate at more than 70 sites across 20 states and 40 cities in the United States. Approximately 5,500 children will be served and more than 650 college-age youth will participate as interns. In South Carolina, Charleston is only the second Freedom Schools site, with Bennettsville offering the only other program in the state.
Freedom Schools are coordinated through the nationally recognized Children’s Defense Fund, a private, nonprofit organization established in 1973 and supported through foundation and corporate grants and individual donations.
Each morning Freedom Schools begin with 30 minutes of energetic dancing, motivational cheering, and children’s books orated in a lively story-telling fashion. This morning ritual, called Harambee, is Swahili for “let’s pull together.”