Natchitoches, Louisiana focuses on reading for young children Special

Natchitoches - Most mothers with very young children work and rely on child care providers. This fact, along with educational challenges for at-risk youth, has brought communities to set aside a week to focus on the needs of children.

Every year in Natchitoches, Louisiana the community provides a comprehensive program in April, filled with games, music and free books and forums focusing on children. It is a time when the accomplishments of children are highlighted. Speakers from different organizations who educate and care for children are part of the event. The program for children took place on the last weekend of the month, as the flowers had opened in bloom and the drops of sunshine replaced the early morning rain so Cane River dazzled those daring to return on a day of potential tornadoes.

Carol Forsloff

A program targeted for young children and the value of reading skills was presented in Natchitoches as a way of focusing on the needs of young children.

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This year, storms were predicted for the day; so a large church in Natchitoches took over the event, hosting participants in a large meeting room. The United Methodist Church is one of the largest churches in the City of Natchitoches and both ministers are active in the Week of the Young Child each year. The Week of the Young Child ordinarily culminates in a program called "Reading on the River." This year was no different. Part of the participating group waited until the clouds rolled by with the storm warning early in the morning, and another large group met at the local church.

Carol Forsloff

In the spot near the last scene in the movie Steel Magnolias people gather for a program celebrating children and their reading needs.

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The expected storm came and went by 11 a.m. allowing a number of participants in the different events planned for the day to meet at the Roque house and surrounding gardens. Children received free books and refreshments.

Carol Forsloff

These two people were part of the program on the River, at the Roque House, helping greet and help with the children.

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At the Methodist Church additional booths were set up surrounding the church and inside, with attention to different programs for children.

Carol Forsloff

This booth was set up for children to examine free books and to present the work of new authors.

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Learning to read is an important goal for children, and this theme was underlined at the event. Natchitoches is a town of approximately 18,000 people with an additional 17,000 in the Parish. The annual event for children has been an important activity each year, demonstrating the community interest in educating young children. Council woman Sylvia Morrow is a central figure in the community effort, as she was again this year., given her background in education. Like other people who are central to Natchitoches, she actively helps with children, presents speakers and passes out the books.

Carol Forsloff

A local politician, Sylvia Morrow, is shown here passing out books to young children.

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Natchitoches embraces its children regularly in programs of this kind.