For the past three summers OBI Detroit center leader Christana Wade has used mass mailings and flyer distribution to cover area neighborhoods with announcements of each year's Dream Team Summer Program. Each day, a team of paid certified teachers, volunteer cafeteria staff, and peer mediators take students under their wings. Peer mediators take an active role in researching and planning written assignments, and other daily events. Activities also include dance classes for interested pupils, as well as crafts, games, and gym fun. For some, the lunch served freely by the city is the only meal they eat all day.
Many poor families rely on the school system's meal programs during the school year.
Tragically, they can't afford to feed their children during the summer months. Within the first week of taking office, President George W. Bush unveiled his education plan. Today, nearly 70 percent of inner city fourth graders are unable to read at a basic level on national reading tests. Our high school seniors trail students in Cyprus and South Africa on international math tests. The book is powerful because it healed me when I was in pain.