Every Child Every Village - Learning Walls

Thinking Outside The Books!

Learning Walls. I've discussed throughout this website the sad state of education in the African countries I've lived in and visited. Books are scarce, or nonexistent, as are most school supplies.

Customarily, school kids in more developed countries nickel and dime their parents for school supplies on a daily basis. Supplies are a daily need in African schools as well, but there's no one to nickel and dime.

Learning Without Books. I'm not opposed to books. In fact, I LOVE books. But there are never enough, and there never will be, especially in rural schools. The fact is that books are expensive, often outdated and easily damaged, lost or stolen. So we developed an affordable and more workable alternative.

When Carlee and I painted the first walls, we realized we were on to something good. It's inexpensive, and self-sustaining. But, the best part is that it works. We've painted about 15 classrooms now, and the teachers love them. A teacher who watched us paint smiled and said, "We don't NEED books."

Not just pretty pictures. So far we have focused on preschool learning only, but are planning to paint a primary school when I return to Tanzania in January, 2011. Because I am committed to a long term project in Berega, I can no longer travel to other rural project sites. I am, however, more than happy to guide anyone who would like to create learning walls at their own schools.

I encourage you to study the sample photos and if this idea interests you, contact me. I can guide you through the process using email. I can also help you estimate how much paint and supplies to use, and how to plan and display important learning concepts using pictures.

Keep It Simple. All you need is a little creativity, a couple of artists and about $150 USD worth of house paint. We also have an English/Swahili user manual which includes many creative ways for teachers to use the walls effectively. I hope some of you contact me, and if you are anywhere near Berega, Tanzania, "Karibu nyumbani!" (Welcome to my house). I'd be happy to show you our current project, or refer you to completed sites closer to your location.

Asante sana,
Mama Liz

	Home Latest News Journal Photos Projects Contact Help About Learning Walls	Thinking Outside The Books! Learning Walls. I've discussed throughout this website the sad state of education in the African countries I've lived in and visited. Books are scarce, or nonexistent, as are most school supplies. Customarily, school kids in more developed countries nickel and dime their parents for school supplies on a daily basis. Supplies are a daily need in African schools as well, but there's no one to nickel and dime. Learning Without Books. I'm not opposed to books. In fact, I LOVE books. But there are never enough, and there never will be, especially in rural schools. The fact is that books are expensive, often outdated and easily damaged, lost or stolen. So we developed an affordable and more workable alternative. When Carlee and I painted the first walls, we realized we were on to something good. It's inexpensive, and self-sustaining. But, the best part is that it works. We've painted about 15 classrooms now, and the teachers love them. A teacher who watched us paint smiled and said, "We don't NEED books." Not just pretty pictures. So far we have focused on preschool learning only, but are planning to paint a primary school when I return to Tanzania in January, 2011. Because I am committed to a long term project in Berega, I can no longer travel to other rural project sites. I am, however, more than happy to guide anyone who would like to create learning walls at their own schools. I encourage you to study the sample photos and if this idea interests you, contact me. I can guide you through the process using email. I can also help you estimate how much paint and supplies to use, and how to plan and display important learning concepts using pictures. Keep It Simple. All you need is a little creativity, a couple of artists and about $150 USD worth of house paint. We also have an English/Swahili user manual which includes many creative ways for teachers to use the walls effectively. I hope some of you contact me, and if you are anywhere near Berega, Tanzania, "Karibu nyumbani!" (Welcome to my house). I'd be happy to show you our current project, or refer you to completed sites closer to your location. Asante sana, Mama Liz