September 8th is International Literacy Day. This day reminds us about the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. It also emphasizes the need to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.

At Develop Africa, education is in our DNA and our core focus. We realize that literacy and promoting reading are foundational elements of an impactful education.

One of the ways that we encourage reading in schools is by sponsoring reading sessions at schools. Providing books to kids at an early stage helps stimulate a love for reading. Getting them to read stories of kids positively impacting the world inspires them to look at the problems of their communities and come up with possible solutions.

Watch video clip from the reading session

Earlier this year, at the Stella Maris Primary School, 30 kids in grades 4, 5, and 6 were positively encouraged by the stories of kids bringing solutions to problems in their community – as told in The Pencil Project book.

In the book, kids apply outside the classroom what they learn inside the classroom. The kids read about the story of a girl who decided to collect pencils and send them to vulnerable kids in Africa in partnership with Develop Africa.

The Pencil Project book is more than just a storybook that can be used to promote reading. It helps children realize that they can impact the world positively. It also helps kids think about how to solve real-life challenges/problems outside the classroom.

During the reading session, kids at the school in Freetown were challenged to devise possible solutions to challenges within their communities. Some kids donated their clothing and shoes to vulnerable kids.

Learn more about the Pencil Project Book at www.PencilProject.org

Sponsor a reading session by donating $100 today