How a Reading Challenge Inspired a Family
The Owino family, proud users of the BookSmart reading app in Nairobi, share how their lives changed after participating in Worldreader’s Reading Hero Challenge. Watch their story unfold!
Sarah Midika Anyira Owino is a devoted mother of five – Quintine (12), Delssa (11), Griffin (7), Favour (4), and a teenage daughter in boarding school. She teaches 4- to 5-year-olds at Little Rock ECDE Center in Nairobi and has been raising her children on her own for the past two years. Her husband moved abroad in search of better economic opportunities.
Sarah is dedicated to providing her children and students with the best education opportunities so they can reach their potential. In this video, she tells us how she believes reading is the foundation of a bright, fulfilling future for our youngest generations.
Worldreader’s Reading Hero Challenge
Launched in July 2024 in collaboration with the Kenya National Library Service, the Mashujaa Wa Kusoma (Reading Hero) challenge encouraged Kenyan children to read at least 25 books. The initiative saw Worldreader in communities, libraries, malls, clinics, WhatsApp groups, and more, spreading the joy of reading among Kenyan families.
Thousands accepted the challenge. Families read together every day on BookSmart, breaking all records – in September, we saw a 150% increase in readers. At Worldreader, we were blown away by the results, with some young book lovers reading more than 40 times the number of books that what was expected.
The Owino family was among the most passionate Reading Heroes, with Delssa finishing third in the Mashujaa wa Kusoma challenge. The Owinos were very proud of their accomplishment:
Being number three in the Mashujaa Wa Kusoma [challenge] feels perfect, I just feel like a champion!
Delssa Owino, 11 years old
Delssa was recognized with a bronze medal and Quintine won the silver medal. Favour, 4, read an impressive 144 books, showcasing Favour’s early love for reading. Griffin, 7, completed 411 storybooks, his dedication to reading, studying, and learning inspiring everyone around him.
Reading Starts at Home
Sarah says that “reading should be a culture in families. It starts from the family, it goes to the school, and when they grow up, [children] learn to pick a book. I can see reading has really helped my children.”
As s teacher, Sarah notes that “through reading, learners are able to change their behavior and character through lessons learned from a wide range of books as per their age, abilities, and interest.” Participating in the reading challenge changed the Owino family’s habits and daily routines, making reading a priority well beyond the challenge.
Sarah believes parents should engage with their children to build a strong bond with them and build confidence and self-esteem. She also says parents understand the strengths and challenges of their child best, and can encourage young children to express themselves without fear.
BookSmart helps provide families and children with the skills they need to achieve their goals. The Owino family has made reading on BookSmart a daily habit and has bonded as a family because of it.
Books have enriched their lives and they can for you too! Start reading now, it’s free.
Want to meet the Owino family? Check out this video!
