The “Still I Rise” program will sponsor a community event to welcome children back to school.

“Still I Rise” will sponsor a Back to School Fun Day Jamboree this Saturday at Corinth Baptist Church from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

All children in grades 4K and up are invited and asked to bring towels and lawn chairs as the event will feature water slides, a cook out, face painting, free school supplies and other giveaways.

“We want to encourage our children and their parents to work toward a positive and productive school year,” said the Rev. J. Archie Calhoun, Director of the “Still I Rise” program. “That’s why we offer this free event to the community.”

The program holds a back-to-school event each year, but this is the first outdoor jamboree.

“We want our children to be excited about going back to school this year,” said “Still I Rise” volunteer Danielle Fowler.

Registration for the free school supplies will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Anyone who needs a ride to the jamboree may call registrar Debra Falls at (864) 427-2989.

The “Still I Rise” organization was founded by the Rev. and Mrs. J. Archie Calhoun in order to encourage underprivileged children in Union County. The organization was designed to increase pride and academic achievement and promote positive thinking among local underachieving children.

The program seeks to improve life skills and academic achievement by increasing self-esteem and a sense of family pride. Children meet weekly in interactive sessions to work on character building, goal setting and communication skills. They are also taught to stay away from drugs, alcohol and violence, and they are exposed to the arts.

Regular “Still I Rise” sessions will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Corinth Baptist Church and continue on a weekly basis each Tuesday throughout the school year.