Summer Reading Program continues with African Safari

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

“Good choices…” said instructor Elizabeth Kahura. “Good things!” finished Kahura’s young audience.
This message and more were part of the Kahura’s lessons on positivity and self-empowerment that were part of her African Safari program. The African Safari was part of the Copperas Cove Public Library’s ongoing Summer Reading Program. Kahura had two shows on Monday, one at 2 p.m. and a second showing at 6 p.m. for those who could not make the first show.
Not only did Kahura try to spread a positive message, she also got the kids actively engaged as they learned several words in Swahili while they sang and danced to songs. She also performed a puppet show about an eagle who was raised as a chicken overcoming its fears to soar high in the sky. After the show, Kahura asked the kids what they learned from the show. Answers included “Never give up”, “Keep trying”, and “Don’t try to be something you are not”. 
“It was fun. We got to dance,” said Eden Colaire (6) who attended the program. She said that she learned to “Always be a friend.”
“We come all the time. It’s fun for the kids,” said Darci Ramos who works for Stepping Stones Day Care. “It’s a good, positive learning environment and the kids love it.”
Kahura said that she hopes her classes help inspire the children to embrace other cultures and to be kind to one another. 
“I wanted to share my knowledge of the world,” said Kahura. “I want to use my art to inspire them through music, clothing, art, stories, all of it.”
In addition to teaching the children some words in Swahili, singing, and dancing, Kahura also brought several traditional African instruments which she allowed the children to play during a portion of her show.
“I thought it was amazing. She’s a fabulous story teller,” said Courtney Escobar who brought her children Ava (4) and Bo Escobar (9) to watch the program.
“I liked the dancing,” said Ava Escobar.
Bo Escobar said that his favorite part was getting to play the instruments. He also liked the story. He said that it taught that you should always help friends in need.
“We love it,” said Courtney Escobar about the Summer Reading Program. “They enjoy reaching their goals and earning their prizes. The shows are amazing…I hope they keep doing this for a long time. We appreciate the library for all their hard work.”
The Summer Reading Program continues next week with a fire safety class on Tuesday at 2 p.m. On Wednesday, the teen group is invited to a dance party where they will learn dances including line dancing starting at 2 p.m. On Thursday, Dinosaur George will teach kids about dinosaurs and fossils with a 2 p.m. and a 6 p.m. presentation.
All of the library’s Summer Reading Program events and activities are free to the public.