Generosity at Providence College

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By JohnPosted In: ChildFund International

A generous group of Providence College students from Raymond Hall’s fourth floor came together to give James Mogaji, a beloved security officer, the gift of a lifetime. Several months ago, the students learned that Mogaji hadn’t visited his family in Nigeria in over a decade. They decided to start an online fundraiser to reunite him with his loved ones.

Their initial goal was modest. The students hoped to raise $3,500. However, the overwhelming support from nearly 800 donations soon exceeded their expectations, highlighting the community’s admiration for Mogaji’s kindness and compassion.

In a touching ceremony on March 6, the students presented Mogaji with the money, ensuring his journey back home could become a reality. Mogaji was overwhelmed by the gesture, expressing his shock and gratitude at the unexpected kindness.

The gesture not only underscores the strong sense of community at Providence College but also reflects the institution’s ethos of care and concern. President Father Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. commended the students for embodying the spirit of the Friars, showcasing an exceptional example of selflessness and unity.

Mogaji plans to travel to Nigeria this summer. This story is a beautiful reminder of how small acts of generosity can make significant differences in people’s lives, strengthening community bonds and fostering an environment of mutual support and love.

Puppies in the Classroom

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By JohnPosted In: ChildFund International

In Wilmington, Delaware, a unique initiative by first-grade teacher Brooke Hughes at Hanby Elementary School, is improving student literacy. The Foster Tales Puppy Therapy program integrates foster puppies into the classroom to aid in students’ reading development. This program has brought joy and excitement to the classroom, and has also shown promising results in enhancing reading skills.

The foster puppy program began in January 2023. Hughes, who was inspired by her own experience fostering puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic, decided to bring puppies into the learning space. She immediately observed a significant positive impact on the students’ mental health and reading abilities.

The program encourages students to read to the puppies, who serve as a non-judgmental audience and boosted the confidence of the new readers. Hughes reported a notable increase in reading scores, with preliminary data indicating a 32% improvement from fall to winter. This uplift in academic performance is particularly significant against the backdrop of declining reading and math scores nationwide, a trend which was exacerbated by the pandemic.

The initiative has extended beyond academic benefits, fostering life skills such as responsibility, empathy, and compassion among students. The classroom dynamic has improved, with students eagerly completing their work in order to get a chance to spend time with the puppies. The program also involves the school community, with families volunteering to care for the puppies outside school hours, and Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue covering the costs associated with the puppies’ care.

This collaborative effort between Hanby Elementary School and Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue has not only provided a therapeutic and enriching experience for the students but also offered a lifeline for over 50 foster puppies, facilitating their adoption into permanent homes. The program stands as a testament to the innovative approaches educators can take to address educational challenges and foster a love for learning in students, all while contributing positively to the community and the well-being of animals in need.

This collaborative effort between Hanby Elementary School and Rags 2 Riches Animal Rescue has not only provided a therapeutic and enriching experience for the students but also offered a lifeline for over 50 foster puppies, facilitating their adoption into permanent homes. The program stands as a testament to the innovative approaches educators can take to address educational challenges and foster a love for learning in students, all while contributing positively to the community and the well-being of animals in need.