Chinle Planting Hope Navajo Literacy Project Bookmobile
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Project Overview
The Bookmobile will provide a variety of benefits to the community such as:
- Paid employment opportunities for Bookmobile staff.
- Literacy and reading-based community events (Diné Bizaad speakers, storytelling, story-sharing, and learning games and projects).
- Navajo college students volunteering and mentoring youth.
- Emphasis on books by Navajo authors and illustrators.
- S.T.E.M. classes for students and families.
- Internet access with reliable hot spots.
- Laptops, tablets, and monitors available to children and community when visiting the Bookmobile.
- Charging stations for cell phones and digital devices
There is an essential Navajo concept, “Walking in Beauty,” which entails living in harmony – Hózhó – with both one’s self and the natural world. This concept is centered around making good choices and expressing love.
Chinle Planting Hope has adapted the concept of “Walking in Beauty” to the Bookmobile project. Its goal, and therefore its name, is “R.E.A.D. in Beauty,” because it aims to help Navajo children and families experience harmony
through expanded educational opportunities in a respectful learning
environment.
Project Impact
The Navajo children and young adults primarily. The bookmobile helps Navajo children and families experience expanded educational opportunities.
- The Navajo Nation is the largest reservation by land area in the United States.
- 67 percent of third graders and 89 percent of high schoolers lack reading proficiency.
- 30-40 percent of families do not have electricity and running water in their homes.
- Many roads are unpaved dirt, unpassable when the rains come.
- Half of those who live on tribal land have access to high-speed internet.
- The nearest library is over 70 miles away.
Success Factors
With grants provided by the Rotary eClub of the State of Jefferson and many others the bookmobile is a reality. Continued funding will donations to help sustain operations in the following ways…
– $5,000 donation that covers the monthly Bookmobile budget including salaries, vehicle insurance, and supplies.
– Donations to help provide mechanical services as needed for the Ford Bookmobile.
– Provide educational storybooks, magazines and other education supplies.
– Laptops, tablets, and monitors.
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Ready to make a difference?
Visit a meeting, volunteer with us, or contribute to a project. There’s a place for you in State of Jefferson Rotary.