Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School Donates More Than 2,000 Textbooks to Benefit Impoverished School in West Africa
Partnership includes a pen-pal program to help students better understand other cultures
Philadelphia, August 10, 2023 – Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School has formed a partnership with a school in Liberia, West Africa, launched this week with the donation of more than 2,000 used textbooks, reading and language arts workbooks, history textbooks and workbooks, and performance assessment materials to the Benia International School System headquartered in Duazon, Liberia.
The donation will provide desperately needed teaching and learning materials for the impoverished Duazon community, located on the North Atlantic coast in the West African nation. The partnership will include the formation of a pen-pal program between FTCES students and their West African student counterparts, all part of Franklin Towne Charter Elementary’s commitment to serving those less fortunate and celebrating the diversity of world cultures.
“We are delighted to establish this partnership, which benefits children in need as well as our own children, who will have the opportunity to better understand the culture and challenges of students living halfway around the world in Africa,” said FTCES Superintendent James Rodgers. “It’s an important opportunity to help people in poverty, and we look forward to expanding our partnership in the years to come.”
When FTCES adopted a new Language Arts program for its students this year, it sought to donate the used books to schools that might not have the financial means to provide high-quality educational opportunities to their students. Through the Philly Educators website, FTCES connected with Pastor Amos Tarpeh, Jr., a Liberian native who is a Pastor at Refuge Baptist Church in Upper Darby, Pa., and a member of the Bishop of Foreign Missions working in partnership with the Benia International School System and Benia Christian Academy to serve school children in Duazon.
“We know how impactful these books will be for this community, and so it is a win-win for everyone,” Rodgers said. “We are excited to donate these materials to such a worthy cause.”
About Franklin Towne Charter Elementary Charter School
Franklin Towne Charter Elementary School (FTCES) proudly opened its doors in 2009. Located in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia, FTCES serves more than 900 K-8 students from across the city.
The mission of FTCES is "to establish a HAPPY and NURTURING environment that both promotes and cultivates a positive learning experience for our children. By involving staff, students, and parents we plan to create a challenging and supportive school where our students can learn and grow.” Through the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, parents, community partners, administration and Board of Directors FTCE has established itself as one of the premier educational facilities in Philadelphia.