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Literacy & Education
Rotary On The Flint Brings the Magic of Reading to Westtown Students

Rotary Club On The Flint Engages Young Learners with a Heartwarming Story on Overcoming Fear at Westtown School


On a recent afternoon, the Rotary Club On The Flint of Albany, Georgia, had the privilege of bringing the joy of reading to the students of Westtown School, a vibrant learning community in South Albany. This heartfelt event, held at the school, was part of the Rotary Club’s ongoing commitment to support and engage with local youth through education and literacy initiatives.

The featured book for the event was When Someone Is Afraid by Valeri Gorbachev. The story, filled with whimsical illustrations of animals and their unique responses to fear, captivated the children and provided both comfort and insight into the natural emotions we all experience. The book takes a gentle approach, showing how various animals react to fear—some may stick their heads in the sand like an ostrich, while others leap into ponds like frogs. In the heartwarming conclusion, a little boy is shown being comforted by his mother after waking from a bad dream. This soothing ending left a lasting impression on the children, helping them understand that everyone experiences fear and that it’s okay to express and deal with those feelings.

The Rotary volunteers made the experience even more special by splitting into small groups to read to the children. Each group focused on creating a warm and interactive reading session, allowing the students to ask questions, share their own experiences with fear, and enjoy the wonderful artwork that accompanied the story. The intimate reading format allowed the children to connect more deeply with the narrative, creating meaningful conversations about handling fear and supporting each other.

The members of the Rotary Club were delighted to see the children’s faces light up as they discussed the story and shared their thoughts on the illustrations. The joy of reading and learning together was palpable, and it was clear that the Rotary Club’s presence helped create a memorable and educational experience for all involved.

Events like this are a testament to the Rotary Club’s ongoing dedication to community service and literacy. By engaging with young students in meaningful ways, the club helps foster a love of reading and encourages children to express their emotions. Reading books like When Someone Is Afraid not only introduces children to valuable life lessons but also provides a platform for open discussions about important topics, such as fear, comfort, and coping strategies.

We look forward to more collaborative efforts between the Rotary Club and local schools like Westtown, and we are eager to continue nurturing a love of reading in our community. It's initiatives like these that make a real difference in the lives of children, and the Rotary Club On The Flint is proud to be part of such impactful work.

Posted by Walter Kelley
March 5, 2025 12:00pm

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