Rotary Club Abuja Renaissance Marks International Literacy Day with Reading Workshop, Fetes Pupils with Gifts

The Rotary Club of Abuja Renaissance, has brought joy to students and pupils in the Federal Capital Territory as part of activities marking the International Literacy Day, celebrated annually on September 8. The event, held at the Kid’s Playground of Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, attracted students, parents, and other stakeholders from Abuja and its environs.

Sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc and Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja, the club provided guidance to children on how everyday reading routines at home can help build literacy skills, reading confidence, and a stronger connection with books.

Speaking at the event, Rotarian (Mrs) Patience Ofik, Charter President of the Club, emphasized that literacy extends beyond the ability to read and write, but is a pathway to building self-confidence and achieving academic transformation.

She further underscored the importance of consistent reading habits:

"Reading plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of students, offering them not just academic knowledge but also an avenue for personal growth. At the Rotary Club, we believe that cultivating a habit of reading in young minds is essential for their intellectual and emotional development” 

Also speaking, the District-Governor elect of Rotary International District 9127, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu encouraged the children to ensure they always add value in everything they do, harping his discussion on the theme, “Read Today, Lead Tomorrow.”

In his remarks, the General Manager of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Mr. Martin Zarybnicky, urged the children to embrace reading as a way of life. He charged them to never give up on their dreams, which can only be achieved through maintaining good reading habits.

The Branch Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, Transcorp Hilton, Deborah Amapakabo reiterated Zenith Bank’s commitment to literacy and advancing the cause of knowledge, especially in the youths, encouraging the participants to start now to lay foundations for a brighter future. 

The event featured some young authors, including Ashezi Akwashiki, 12 years, Ziora Adighibe, 10 years, and Akum Adighibe, 8 years, who read their books to the delight of the participating students. 

One of the partners to the project, The Kids Nook Library spoke to the students on the importance of a healthy reading culture, encouraging them to always keep their minds productively engaged. 

The event featured reading workshops, storytelling sessions, question-and-answer segments, and the distribution of school bags to all the students. 

More than 120 pupils from a total of 15 primary schools took part in the event, including:

· Care and Cuddle Schools, Abuja. 

· STEM Cuddle International School

· Mienebi International School

· Olumawu School, Abuja 

· Betharbel Free Inclusive Academy

· LEA Primary Schools in Katampe, Saburi and Mabushi. 

· The Berkeley International School

· Barvij International School

. The Posh Oak Academy 

All participating schools are located within Abuja, the nation's capital.