St. Stephen Children's Centre
Makondo, Uganda, Africa
Correspond through pen pal programs:
One of the most powerful ways we can change the world is by teaching our children about compassion and giving them the opportunity to see how others live and to help those less fortunate than themselves. Early experiences of sharing with and caring about others sets them up for a lifetime of altruism, which in turn leads to a life of deep meaning, connection, and joy.
At St. Stephen Children's Centre, we run many pen pal programs. Some are arranged on an individual basis, where children correspond with Ugandan children of similar ages. Some are arranged as groups, with classrooms and "sister schools" across the world corresponding with different classes at St. Stephen Children's Centre. Some children only write to each other for one school year, while others continue their pen paling for many years to follow. We are hopeful that many of these pen pals will actually be able to meet each other in the coming years, as the children grow up and become involved global citizens.
If we are to teach real peace in this world,
we shall have to begin with the children - Gandhi
Correspond through pen pal programs:
If you are interested in having a child, class, or school pen-pal with the children at St. Stephen Children's Centre, please contact The BC Society for St. Stephen Children’s Centre to provide you with further information about our program, and match you with a child or class.
We are happy to make special arrangements to suit your needs (e.g., match with children of similar age, school level, or gender, provide pen pal letter templates, have correspondence focus on particular topics such as geography or social studies). We also welcome opportunities for adults to correspond! Just let us know and we will do our best to make our program a valuable and meaningful experience for everyone involved!
Each child is an adventure into a better life -
to change the old pattern and make it new - Hubert Humphrey
Correspond through pen pal programs:
I met Ben by accident. I was looking for schools around the world to write to. I thought it was a great way for my students to learn about geography. There was a website that he was on looking for pen pals, and that's how we got connected. Working with Ben has been an amazing experience. I am astonished by the friendship that has been created with someone I have never met, and who lives so far away.
I admire, and appreciate, the hard work Ben does for the children he works with. Each year my class gets the unique experience of having a pen pal from another country. In this high-tech world it is easy to forget how exciting it is as a child to receive actual mail, with a stamp. It also allows my students to experience how differently children live around the world, which sometimes awakens them to the privileged life they live here.
Jennifer Sabia, USA
We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided - J.K. Rowling
Correspond through pen pal programs:
I have been writing letters with Benedict since I was 5 years old. It's been really fun to share and learn about who we are, what we like, and the kinds of things we do in each of our countries. It makes me realize that I am very lucky to have what I have, that giving is important, and also that Benedict and his family are very good, very strong, and very kind people. Even though there are differences, there is a lot about Benedict that is just like me. We even have the same name "Ben". I hope I will get to meet him one day.
Benjamin Halko, 9 years old, Canada
I am always happy to receive letters from my penpal friend Benjamin. It teaches me a lot of things which I didn't know about Canada. When we receive letters, it becomes songs, laughter, and happiness for days and months.
Benedict Magala, 9 years old, Uganda
In 900 years of time and space,
I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important - Doctor Who
Correspond through pen pal programs:
I like to write letters to Cathy in Uganda and to get letters from her. It's cool because I get to learn about Uganda and to send her things from Canada. It's fun getting letters and gifts from her too.
Emma Halko, 5 years old, Canada
I am happy to write and receive letters from my penpal Emma. Reading penpal letters makes me happy and I learn about Canada.
Catherine Nakijoba, 7 years old, Uganda
God's dream is that you and I and all of us
will realize that we are family - Desmond Tutu
2 - 5
<
>