At Cohesu, we are always seeking ways to create a positive impact in the communities we serve. In 2015, we linked up with Joyland Special School, a school for physically challenged children founded by the Salvation Army in 1974. Our initial contact with the school was through a youth hockey team's request for shoes and slippers for the children. During the shoes giving, we noticed that the children had no reading material, and we wondered if they had a library. After some inquiry, we found out that there was no library, and only a few books locked away in a small room.
To address this gap, we decided to donate some of our books to the school on condition that the books would be made accessible to the children during their free time. We were shown a large room that we could use for that purpose, and we made the books available to the children. The excitement and appreciation from the children at being able to access the books was humbling. They now pick the books and read them on the floors, under the trees, and anywhere they can find space!
Our long-term goal is to create a reading space for the children of Joyland. We need your help to make this possible. We estimate that we need two types of bookshelves, reading tables, painting and floor maintenance, and some toilet repairs.
Most of the books that Cohesu has donated so far were donated from schools in America. We would like to purchase some local content books and storybooks for 1st and 2nd graders, who currently can only look at the pictures of the books available. With your support, we can turn this room into a true library, providing the children with an opportunity to develop their working skills and a sense of social responsibility.
If you would like to assist us in this project, we would greatly appreciate any donations towards bookshelves, tables, and other necessary items. We understand that there are many causes you could support, but we believe that education is the key to unlocking a better future for these children. We are grateful for any support you can give, no matter how small. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the children of Joyland Special School.