Posted by BEN BEAUMONT – Local writer Sam Eifling published an open letter on the Arkansas Time “Rock Candy” blog in response to author Dave Eggers’ visit to the Clinton School last week in which he described his work with 826 National, a children’s literacy program with chapters in six cities:
Everyone praises children’s literacy, even on the way to vote “no” on pay raises for teachers. You actually marshal the classroom space, the tutor platoon, the funds. You appear to have built a fun, safe place for kids to catch up in their studies or to hone their talents (and no doubt put underemployed liberal artists’ energies toward a fulfilling cause). You take particular care of the children of immigrant families, who you said have often wagered their entire lives on those kids’ educations. I was rather in awe, and I found myself suddenly happy that the Heinz Family Foundation picked you to receive a $250,000 humanities award – that you apparently dumped right back into 826 National.
CLICK HERE for the full letter.