Community Reading Days

On a bright, sunny Friday morning, amidst the vibrant energy of a team of seven, we embarked on a special mission in the heart of Namuwongo's slums, joining forces with our community library partner, Living Spring Community Library. This day held an extra significance, coinciding with International Literacy Day, a global observance championing the fundamental importance of literacy.

At the stroke of 10 am, our program commenced. Children, enjuba team members, and our partners from the community library convened in a room, initiating the day with introductions. Led by Mr. William Mukisa, the enjuba team shared their names and motivations for being there, followed by the community library team. The eager anticipation among the children was palpable, igniting a sense of excitement for the activities ahead. We swiftly organized the children into age and class-appropriate break-out groups, ensuring each group had a mix of enjuba and Community Library team members.

Four break-out groups were formed, each brimming with engaging activities such as spelling bingo games, youth talks, and captivating read-aloud sessions. For many of these children, these sessions marked their first encounter with storybooks, evident in their rapt attention and fascination with the illustrations and narratives. Throughout the read-aloud sessions, team members encouraged the children to reflect on the values embedded within the stories. Themes of family, cooperation, and curiosity resonated as the children eagerly shared their insights.

As the day unfolded, the joyous culmination arrived when each child received a storybook to cherish and explore further at home and within their community. This moment of shared excitement and gratitude was made possible through the unwavering support of our project's patrons, and for that, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

Witnessing the radiant smiles on the children's faces as they exchanged newfound lessons and embraced reading as a cornerstone of their lives, affirmed the transformative power of literacy.