LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Tendaji Community Development Corporation, an after-school tutoring program for elementary students, celebrated a successful year of efforts with a fundraiser supported by local small businesses on Saturday.
The event, which aims to help young students become successful readers, was organized by Ikanread Tutors and Suga-Snap Jewel.
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Shela Hayes, Executive Director of Tendaji, emphasized the importance of foundational literacy skills.
“Knowing the basics of reading, knowing the comprehension skills of reading… putting our children in a position where they can read more, if you can read more you can do something more and understand more, that’s all about what we’re trying to do,” Hayes said.
The fundraiser took place at Saint Mark Baptist Church and included several speakers, among them educators from E-STEM and other individuals dedicated to youth literacy. Local vendors also participated in the program.
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Tendaji works to improve reading skills outside of the classroom, aiming to give students a critical foundation for future learning.
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