Teen Voices Online

Shannon McNamara Started Her Own Reading Program...in Africa!

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Shannon McNamara, a fifteen-year-old girl from New Jersey, has become April's Activist of the Month. With the support of her parents and community, Shannon opened an after-school reading program for girls in Tanzania, Africa in July 2008. Known as SHARE (Shannon's After-School Reading Exchange), this program aims to promote children's literacy in Africa. In a recent interview, Shannon shared her experience, her love for reading, and how other girls can become activists too.

The Birth of SHARE

Shannon came up with the idea for SHARE after being inspired by Smart Baitani, who runs the COSAD organization in Africa. Through their correspondence, Shannon learned about the need for better education at the Kiteyagwa Primary School. With a passion for reading and a desire to help African girls, Shannon decided to start a program that provides books to these girls.

Commitment to Children's Literacy

Shannon's deep love for reading led her to work on children's literacy. She believes that education is the key to a brighter future for these girls. Through SHARE, the girls attend the program daily, except on weekends, where they have the opportunity to improve their reading skills and discover the joys of reading.

The Journey to Establish SHARE

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Shannon's parents played a crucial role in helping her bring SHARE to life. As part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project, Shannon had to complete over 100 hours of work before even going to Tanzania. With the help of her parents, she reached out to neighbors, family, and friends, collecting donations and books for the program. They even had to custom-make bookshelves because books were scarce in the town. Volunteers from the Global Citizens Network assisted in painting, sanding walls, and setting up the room dedicated to SHARE.

Overcoming Challenges

The biggest challenge Shannon faced in starting SHARE was convincing parents to allow their girls to attend the program. Many parents prioritized household chores over education for their daughters. However, with the help of the school principal, Ms. Justina, and by emphasizing the long-term benefits of education, Shannon managed to gain their support.

A Journey of Discovery

Shannon's first trip to Africa was an eye-opening experience. Despite having volunteered internationally before, she encountered some people who had never seen a white person before, which sometimes resulted in unsettling encounters. Nevertheless, Shannon's determination to make a difference was unwavering.

Expanding SHARE

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Excitingly, Shannon and her team are opening two more branches of SHARE in Tanzania. Her mom and a neighbor will go down in April, and Shannon plans to return during the summer to further expand the program. Their goal is to reach even more girls and provide them with the gift of reading.

Inspiring Other Girls to Make a Difference

When asked for advice on making a difference, Shannon encourages other girls to realize that it is easier than they think. Activities such as starting book drives or doing fundraising events in schools or neighborhoods can make a significant impact. The key is to spread awareness and involve everyone in the cause.

To learn more about Shannon's SHARE program and other organizations making a difference in Tanzania and around the world, visit www.cosad.org/share, www.cosad.org, and www.globalcitizens.org.

Hotels and Support for Activism

While Shannon and her team focus on improving education in Tanzania, it is essential for activists and volunteers traveling to Africa to have a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Many hotels support these efforts by providing affordable accommodations and contributing to local community projects. By collaborating with socially responsible hotels, activists can maximize their impact and create positive change in communities worldwide.