Ever hear the phrase, "Can I help?" There are endless things done to help out in the world. Whether small or large, help is appreciated and needed. Students at Lehighton Area High School answered, "Can I help?" by participating in Books of Hope.

Books of Hope is a service-learning program founded three years ago to connect schools in the U.S. with sister schools in Uganda. This year, approximately 20 Ugandan schools have been sponsored by nearly 300 U.S. schools. For 2010, Lehighton Area High School partnered with Idobo Primary School, which is located within the Gulu district of Uganda and has been heavily affected by war. As a result of civil unrest, many of the 600 students are orphans and responsible for younger siblings.

According to Abha Thakkar, the director of Books of Hope, the organization has three main goals. The first is to enhance literacy and learning abroad by using the skills of U.S. children to create original books. Topics include English, Math, Science, Health, Social Studies, Art, Music, and Sports. The second goal is to support literacy in U.S. schools by motivating students to read and write. With Books of Hope, American students apply their knowledge of research, content, writing, editing, cultural sensitivity, and design. The final goal of Books of Hope is to make a difference in the lives of children facing war, poverty, disease and slavery outside the United States.

Books of Hope has had a large impact on students at Lehighton Area High School. Not only does this organization reach out and touch hearts, but it is a wonderful learning experience. Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors got to show off their talents making books for children in Uganda. Some chose to scrapbook, while others chose to use MacBooks. No matter what method used, there was something to be gained. Alex Rubin, a participant in the project, said, "the time I worked on my Book of Hope sculpted me into a better person, all the way to the core."

Knowing someone will read these books fosters feelings of friendship and support. Lacey Haldeman said, "It feels great to know that I can help children in Uganda by using simple things I have learned in school to make a book for them." This project also helps people appreciate education. Danielle Fake said, "Books of Hope has really touched my life and shown me how good we have it here in the United States."

Books of Hope is a wonderful program Carbon County should get involved in. Nothing but goodness comes out of it. Keturah Hinkle said, "Books of Hope really makes me want to tell everyone about it because it really touched me." Alden Everett noted, "I enjoyed participating in the Books of Hope project. The opportunity to help others in need around the world makes me feel a part of something bigger."

With good people and warm hearts, Books of Hope comes alive. Next year Lehighton Area High School will participate in Books of Hope again. To learn more about it, and how you can help, please visit www.BooksofHope.org.

Elyse Kistler