Open-Book events organized in underserved communities are usually a delight to be part of as a child, parent, teacher, community leader, and CRCi volunteer. It is usually a remarkable day characterized by memorable events and activities centered around books, reading, inspiration, and motivation.
The sixth (6th) in-person edition held at Sangotedo Community on November 27, 2021, was no different. CRCi hosted over five hundred and fifty (550) children, forty-five(45) parents, public school teachers, and representatives from the community for 5 hours under the hot sun at Sangotedo Community School. In anticipation, the audience arrived earlier than expected and settled in quickly for the event to commence.
The experience for the attendees was epic, as speakers and facilitators took on the stage one after the other to read and tell relateable stories to inspire the children and their parents to cultivate good reading habits as a pathway to escape ignorance and poverty.
The message was well-received through the various presentations, song renditions, spelling, reading, and dance competitions. The climax of the event was a breakout session targeted at seven (7) age brackets ranging from ages 3 – 14 years old, and one of the sessions for the parents. CRCi volunteers manning each of the classes reinforced the singular message through age-specific content and reading activities. As this session drew to a close, CRCi gift items, ranging from packed drinks and snacks to branded notebooks and pens were distributed to the children in an orderly manner.
CRCi has long commenced her weekly touchpoint at the public primary school located in the community as a part of the next steps to sustain the realized value of the campaign. In addition to Gbara Junior secondary school, Ajiran, Itedo and Ikota primary schools, CRCi facilitators now visit Sangotedo primary school every Thursday to facilitate reading/literacy activities and event with the pupils.
Children Reading for a Change initiative - CRCi 