By: Shayla Terry

With summer upon us Greater St. Matthew AME Church in Brantley launched its “Bucks 4 Books” summer reading program.

“We were doing some quick research concerning our children after they exit out of nine months of teaching,” Pastor Willie White said. “Students lose a lot of information over the summer. The aim is to keep their minds fresh and keep education on the front runner.”

10 students will be accepted into the program from first to incoming fifth graders. Beginning Wednesday, June 28, students will be required to read a book each week during the six-week program. Students will write an essay after the completion of each book.

“During the course each week, the children can get in contract with our four coordinators to help them write their essays,” White said. “We want the parent to be engages also. While the children are at home, we want the parent to listen to their children read and help them write essays.”

Students who complete the program will receive a $100 gift card. Every week the children will present their essays during bible study at Greater St. Matthew.

“We’re raising the money to give the children,” White said. “We have 10 people sponsoring a child and we are grateful for their participation.”

White says the overall objective of the program is for continuing education.

“We want to try to keep some of the kids from falling through the cracks of education,” he said. “We want to give them one on one teaching that will help with their attention and to show that education is fun. We want it to be an celebration where the kids can come and enjoy themselves through learning.”

Students from all school systems are welcome to join. Students will be required to attend weekly bible study at Greater St. Matthew on Wednesdays beginning at 6 p.m.

To sign up for the summer reading program, contact Pastor Willie White at 334-701-5853.