A group, Mama Bee Book Club, has launched a free training programme for pupils in public primary schools in Anambra State the develop a reading culture among children.
The training exercise involved two schools in Awka, Udeozo Memorial Primary School and Amaenyi Community Primary School, as a pilot scheme.
Speaking during the training, Executive Director of the group, David Bassey said the vision of the reading and book club is to build the capital and potential inherent in every child in the Southeast.
According to him, each child is expected to read a book each month, and on two Saturdays of the month, their knowledge of the books will be assessed using a book review manual.
He said, “In a time when the world is digitally distracted, we’re determined to get the children hooked up to books early or we risk losing them later when technology completely takes over.
“We’re flagging off this maiden edition with two public schools, Udozo Memorial Primary School and Amenyi Community Primary School, 30 pupils between classes 4-6 from each school.
“Our goal is to inculcate the culture of reading early, which is one of the best and most effective ways to prepare them for the future. It’s our own way of growing the human capital of people of the Southeast.”
Regarding funding for the training, Bassey said the project is self-funded.
“I told myself, if you believe in something, then invest your resources into it. So I have to commit my savings to this.
“The resource persons drawn from the participating schools are being remunerated for sacrificing their time to teach. We also hired buses that conveyed the kids to and from the venue of the exercise.
“We also provided them with snacks for refreshments as well as books they’re practising with. However, we’re looking for sponsorship from spirited individuals to support us.”
Bassey further disclosed another version of the exercise where parents and guardians, as well as families, are to subscribe for their children and wards.
“While we have the social impact version for the benefit of public Primary Schools whose parents may not be able to afford the private subscription program, another version is available for families to subscribe monthly for their children.
“This is going to take off next month. We’re only starting this maiden edition with this set to create awareness,” he added.
