In the Midtown neighborhood of Springfield, the Ujima literacy program is helping to improve children’s literacy.

Ujima, a Swahili word that means collective work and responsibility, is an effort made possible by several organizations. They include Missouri State University, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield NAACP, Springfield-Greene County Library, Parents as Teachers and the Bartley-Decatur Neighborhood Center.

Ujima started in summer 2016 as a literacy camp for children in the early grades. Since then, it has grown, and includes a monthly program for infants, toddlers and elementary students.

Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate, Ujima director and associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at MSU, and her graduate assistant Lindsey Lower, explain about the program and its impact.

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To find out how you get involved with Ujima, contact Thomas-Tate at 417-836-6878.