Library supports military children through unique events

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In support of Month of the Military Child, the Ramstein library held their final event April 29 with a story time for children to learn about other countries and their cultures.

Local children attended the "Children of the World" themed story time that introduced them to Russian, German and Philippine cultures in a fun, learning environment.

"This is great for the children to begin learning about other cultures," said Master Sgt. Eric San Pedro, a guest reader and speaker from Detachment 690 Network Support Squadron. "I truly believe in education, especially for young children. I think it's crucial for them to be made aware of the different cultures with the world that we live in."

The event allowed the children to hear stories based in other countries and the influences they may have on local cultures.

According to Debbie Worthington, program technician at the Ramstein Library, all of the story times are typically hands-on events with arts and crafts.

"I feel very strong about kids loving to read and want to share my enthusiasm for reading with them," she said.

Although reading is the main focus, the meetings play a much bigger role for the children by simply interacting with one another.

"Getting the children together gets them out and they are able to meet other kid's and that helps with their socialization skills while pre-pairing them for school," Ms. Worthington said. "I love being here, especially for story time with the children," she said.

Although the children are overseas, the program gives them the chance to learn the fundamentals of behavior when someone is speaking and how to react.

Along with motor skill building, it allows children and their parents to meet one another.

"It's a great program," said Sheryl Hunt, Public Service librarian at the Ramstein Library. "The families are stationed all over the world and it's great for the kids to meet each other."

Bringing military families together is a major priority for the Air Force, but today, teaching the kids about other countries was the focus.

"Bringing the children together to learn about this is awesome," Ms. Hunt said. "While they are stationed overseas, this gives them knowledge to feel like they are a part of it."

Although Month of the Military Child ends April 30, the library will continue to hold story times for children and their parents. For more information, contact the Ramstein Library at 06371-47-6667.