Freedom Schools Foster Passion for Learning

• President Carol Quillen joined Davidson students and Freedom School scholars for a morning of reading and Harambee, a celebration to kick off each day of the program in a positive and high-energy way.

• Harambee, a Kiswahili word, means “let’s pull together.” View the full-sized 360 video.

• Each summer, Davidson students help lead the literacy program, which is designed to empower children and ignite in them a passion for learning.

• The Freedom Schools program, based on the Mississippi Freedom Summer project of 1964, was developed by the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) in 1995 to address equity issues within the U.S. education system.

• The program fosters a love of reading, increased self-esteem and positive attitudes towards learning.

• In 2005, Davidson College became the first institution of higher education to sponsor a Freedom Schools program.

• Classes are held in the Ada Jenkins Center, where students receive two meals and a snack each day.

• The schools, frequently hosted by churches, have been in the Charlotte region for more than a decade.

• This year marks the Davidson school’s 13th summer, and Davidson native Kaneisha Gaston ’13 serves as program director.

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