Emma Elekwa
A group, Mama Bee Book Club has commenced free training programme for pupils in public primary schools in Anambra state on development of reading culture among children.
The training exercise, involved two schools in Awka, Udozo Memorial Primary school and Amenyi Community Primary school as 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 every month and two Saturdays of the month after which their knowledge of the books would be accessed through book review manual mechanism.
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.
Inculcating reading culture
“Our goal is to inculcate the culture of reading early which is one of best and effective way to prepare them for the future.
“It’s our own way of growing the human capital of people of the Southeast.”
On how the training is being funded, Bassey said, “the project is self sponsored.
“I told myself, if you believe in something, then invest your resources into it. So I have to commit my savings into 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 fro the venue of the exercise.
“We also provided them with snacks for refreshments as well as books they’re practicing 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.
