Boise State University has a longstanding partnership with Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, where Boise State biologists, anthropologists, and grad students have been conducting critical research for years. Later this summer, the university is launching a new program to provide support and training for Gorongosa’s Human Development staff, who have created a preschool program for children in communities around the park to ensure they enter primary school with the language and learning skills necessary to be successful. Boise State’s aim is to support the program’s teachers, administrators, and students so they can build on the program’s early successes.
Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, currently ranked 185 of 191 on the Human Development Index; the majority of Mozambicans live in extreme poverty, especially those in rural areas. Gorongosa’s preschool program is designed to serve children and families in rural communities, where the need is greatest, and the lack of resources and access to conventional learning materials is significant. To support the sustainability of the program, Gorongosa’s teachers make materials like dolls, books, math games, posters, and figurines using natural and recycled materials that are locally available. To support this work, we are fundraising to provide materials and educational development for the program’s teachers, along with basic necessities for the children in the program.
Please consider giving as the opportunities — and the need — are immense. Funds collected will go directly to purchase materials and supplies for the teachers and children, including:
For teachers:
Stencil kits for making posters, books, numbers, and other learning materials
Learning materials tool kits to include box cutters, stapleless staplers, heavy-duty scissors, and hole punchers
Doll-making supplies including needles, thread, and fabric
Tabletop laminator and materials to protect paper learning materials and books from the elements
Bookbinding machine and materials
Markers
For children:
Crayons
Children’s books written in Portuguese, the language of instruction in primary and secondary schools
Basic cold-weather clothing for children, including long-sleeved shirts and pants
Durable shoes that can grow with the child
Children singing a song about popcorn! Singing songs in the early years supports important early literacy skills like hearing rhythm and rhyme in language while clapping and dancing along support patterning and early math readiness skills.