Summer Community Internship Spotlight: Peacemakers

Cheers and energetic voices rang out in the hallways and auditorium of The Freedom School at Peacemakers of Rocky Mount on a bright Tuesday morning. As we visited NELA Cohort V fellows Johanna and Lacey at their summer internship at Peacemakers, their colleagues welcomed us with open arms and huge smiles, explaining the mission of the organization as young children were arriving in a groggy-yet-eager state and filing into their classrooms. The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program provides a free eight-week summer enrichment that motivates children to fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health. The program is designed for children in low-income communities, and priority is given to children with at least one incarcerated family member. Each day, the “young scholars” begin with Harambee, a meeting filled with hyped-up energy, cheers, chants, and dance, along with a read-aloud activity by a guest speaker. It was a joy to watch these diverse and eager young scholars connecting with Cohort Fellows Johanna and Lacey and dozens of other staff who embodied the Peacemakers mission and served as positive role models. The happy, high-energy educational environment fosters a sense of community and growth, and provides a healthy learning space for the young scholars in the summer months. NELA is excited to partner with such an impactful and positive community agency – there’s no school like Freedom School!

Learn more about the Rocky Mount Freedom School by visiting their website:
http://rockymountpeacemakers.org/ministry/freedom-school/