"His Name Might Be Tommy" -- a message from NativeProgress.org. Please donate what you can for the children at the General Beadle Community School!
Posted by kluciole at 8/23/2009 7:19 PM 
Categories: news, National, Economics, History, Hope, Health, Human Rights, Cultures
Categories: news, National, Economics, History, Hope, Health, Human Rights, Cultures
NativeProgress.org
http://www.myspace.com/lakotaartmarket
His Name Might Be Tommy
A boy aged 9 (let's call him Tommy) started school last year at the General Beadle Community School in Rapid City. He was happy, inquisitive, and an excellent learner. He was glad to be at school and enjoyed sharing in groups. After a few months, things changed. Tommy began to close down. He seldom talked or joined in games. His grades dropped. He looked tired and depressed. The principal called Tommy to her office to see what could possibly be wrong.
Finally, after much coaxing, Tommy "told" what was wrong. He simply opened his mouth. Abscesses. The child was sick and in horrible constant pain. Tommy had been afraid to tell anybody because he knew the grinding fear of spending any money for anything.
This year, as families move on and off the reservation, the General Beadle Community school will serve nearly 800 Lakota children in K-5. These children arrive at school with no supplies, few clothes, and lots of problems. Often the greatest need occurs after the Christmas break, when the cold winter drives people out of their freezing conditions to live with friends or relatives in the city.
ONE Spirit recently received a request for help from the General Beadle Community School. Like many schools in areas with high poverty, General Beadle doesn't get money for school supplies. The teachers don't get paid more because they buy paper, crayons, paint, and extra readers. All the things that make learning an exciting experience for elementary students!
We hear ourselves say that education is the way out of the cycle of poverty. Elementary school is where it begins.
You can help. Your donation of $5, $10, $20 (or any amount!), will help to ensure that a child has the supplies needed for school, the clothes needed for the South Dakota winters, and that funds will be available to help the children with urgent needs.
Love and Peace,
One Spirit Staff
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