ABSTRACT
It’s three years later, and Assiatou, now 11 years old, is still in school in her village in Guinea. Her instructor, Monsieur Mamadou, was able to participate in a government-sponsored training program that helped him design a better curriculum for his students. Now, instead of being largely ignored, Assiatou finds herself called upon regularly, even though she’s still sitting in the back rows of the classroom. Textbooks are given to each student, and Monsieur Mamadou, as well as other teachers in the school, use new and progressive materials recently provided by a revitalized ministry of education. Children in the school now learn to read in first and second languages at a pace that better fits their individual skill levels. A palpable sense of community spirit has been built among students, teachers, and even parents since they all participated in discussions about the proposed changes in the school. Assiatou has learned to read, and by doing so is not only able to complete her homework each day, but also regularly helps her mother decipher medicine prescriptions from the local health clinic, ensuring her safety and continued well-being.
