Kenya National Library Services and Worldreader Organize First-Ever Annual National Reading Day in Kenya
Kenya held the first-ever Annual National Reading Day to promote reading and literacy, organized by Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) and Worldreader.
July 16, 2024 – Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya held the first-ever Annual National Reading Day to promote reading culture, digital skills, and literacy among Kenyans of all ages. The Reading Day was organized by Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) in partnership with Worldreader, a global nonprofit organization that works to get children and families reading.
During the inaugural Annual National Reading Day, Worldreader launched a three-month reading campaign that will organize communities to encourage children aged 3-12 to read 25 books each within three months, with set reading targets. The community that excels in promoting reading and achieving the set targets will be recognized and awarded as “Mashujaa Wa Kusoma” on October 12th, 2024. The winning communities will be acknowledged during Kenya’s Mashujaa Day celebrations held on 20th October for their outstanding efforts in fostering literacy among children.
During the event, Worldreader introduced families to the BookSmart app, which contains free digital reading resources and tools. Worldreader also hosted a storytelling activity with Coach Catherine Ireri at the KNLS Hadithi Corner to engage children and inspire a love for reading.
Under the theme “Empowering Digital Literacy, Promoting Reading Culture”, the day united booksellers, publishers, authors, students, libraries, and other key stakeholders in a shared mission to empower children and families through education.
“Worldreader’s BookSmart is available globally, and is expected to have a profound impact on literacy rates and educational outcomes in Kenya,” said Ms. Olivia Kimani, Director of Partnerships & Services at Worldreader, Kenya. “In collaboration with KNLS, Worldreader provided training and support to educators, parents, and community leaders to maximize its reach and effectiveness.”
The Kenya National Reading Day aims to increase literacy rates in Kenya and promote access to information in both physical and virtual formats, foster a reading culture for lifelong learning and personal development, encourage local content creation, collaborate with stakeholders to bridge the digital literacy gap, and promote creative leisure through digital reading.
“Kenya’s National Reading Day serves as a rallying point for all Kenyans to celebrate the transformative power of reading and promoting reading culture,” said the KNLS CEO, Dr. Charles Nzivo. “Through engaging activities and meaningful discussions, the event inspired a new generation of lifelong learners and paved the way for a more literate and digitally inclusive society.”
The day-long celebration featured various activities, including library tours, author discussions, book swaps, exhibitions, signings, reviews, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, drawing and illustrations, reading and writing sessions, information literacy for both physical and digital libraries, and book donations.
“I am particularly proud to see the diversity of literary skills and perspectives showcased here today. Each child’s unique voice contributes to the growth of our communities here in Kenya and reminds us of the potential that lies within each student. It is our collective responsibility to support and encourage them, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive,” said the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ezekiel Machogu.
About Worldreader
Worldreader gets children reading so they can reach their potential. For young dreamers with curious minds and their families, Worldreader is a gateway to a lifelong love of reading and learning. Worldreader’s reading experience BookSmart offers families a free digital library of 2,700+ captivating books and learning activities designed to motivate children and caregivers to read 25+ books a year with understanding so they can cultivate a daily reading habit and love for books. Since 2010, Worldreader has supported over 22 million readers in more than 100 countries.
About Kenya National Library Service (KNLS)
KNLS is a statutory body of the Government of Kenya established by an Act of Parliament, Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya in April 1965. Its mandate includes preserving and conserving the national documentary heritage for reference and research, maintaining.
