BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- A big imagination is the only prerequisite a child needs to visit the soon-to-be Desert Island Supply Company in Birmingham. It's the future home of what Shaun Chavis hopes will be an center for creativity, a classroom in an extravagant disguise.
"The whole space here will have explorer's maps," Shaun explains. "And we'll have workshops where you can make your own map and then write a story to go with the map. Definitely something really fun."
The writing center will be desert island themed, complete with messages in bottles and palm trees. Parents in the Woodlawn community say the program is an answer to a real need in education.
Mary Sullens became a grandmother recently. She works in Woodlawn.
"Sometimes the teachers are so burdened down that they can't get to all the children, so an after school program where they can help the children with their homework would be great," she says.
Mary's granddaughter, Danielle agrees.
"They could basically have more practice so when they do tests, they're on it," Danielle Sullens says.
That's where the DISCO desk comes in. Students will be able to come in after school for one-on-one help with homework.
"And whatever they want to express," Shaun adds. "I think it's really important to learn how to express yourself as well as to learn how to write."
Shaun was taught that if you can write well, you can do anything. She expects nothing less from her desert island explorers.
The Woodlawn location will be open for 'business' this Spring.
