Holland Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church Launches Historic Summer Literacy Program in Chatham County

The quiet halls of Holland Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church have taken on a new sound this summer—the joyful giggles of children, the pitter-patter of little feet moving from one activity to another, and the excitement of young learners discovering the power of reading. Classrooms that once sat still during the summer months are now filled with books, creativity, curiosity, and the voices of rising first graders growing in confidence one page at a time.

Under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Daquan Bimbo, Holland Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church proudly launched its first Summer Literacy Program (SLP), marking a historic milestone not only for the church but also for the greater community. The 2026 Holland Chapel Summer Literacy Program is the first program of its kind in Chatham County.

Funded through a grant from The Duke Endowment in collaboration with the North Carolina Rural Center’s Rural Church Program and the Impact Center at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, the Summer Literacy Program reflects the church’s ongoing commitment to serving beyond its walls and meeting the needs of God’s people through education, outreach, and community partnership.

Leading this important work is retired educator Dr. Karla Stone Eanes, Summer Literacy Director, alongside Ms. Marcia “Celeste” Wilson, Assistant Director. Together with teachers, volunteers, and community partners, they have helped create an environment where students are nurtured academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Holland Chapel Summer Literacy Program focuses on providing additional literacy support for students preparing to enter first grade. For the inaugural year, the program serves rising first graders from a local school in Chatham County who would benefit from additional reading support and enrichment opportunities.

Applications were made available to all kindergarten students enrolled at a local school in Chatham County. Nineteen families submitted applications, representing a diverse group of learners.  After reviewing eligibility requirements, twelve students qualified for participation, and eight students accepted the invitation to become part of Holland Chapel’s first Summer Literacy Program cohort. The inaugural class includes a diverse group of students excited, engaged, and ready to continue learning.

While literacy remains the foundation of the program, Holland Chapel understands that learning extends beyond the classroom. Students are also engaging in hands-on experiences designed to spark imagination, encourage discovery, and broaden their understanding of the world around them.

Four field trips are scheduled throughout the summer. On June 17, students enjoyed their first adventure at Spring Haven Farm, where they connected classroom learning with real-world experiences. Additional learning excursions include the Museum of Life and Science on June 24, the Marble Museum, and a special on-site wildlife preservation experience where animals will be brought directly to Holland Chapel.

For Holland Chapel, this program represents more than summer learning—it represents ministry in action. It is a continuation of the A.M.E. Zion tradition of education, liberation, and service. By opening its doors to children and families, Holland Chapel is demonstrating that the church remains a place where communities are strengthened, futures are shaped, and lives are transformed.

The laughter echoing through the halls this summer tells a greater story: children are learning, families are being supported, and Holland Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church is continuing the work of building God’s kingdom—one reader at a time.