In a bid to rekindle the reading culture among primary school pupils, the Read2Grow Project team visited St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Akure, to breathe new life into the school’s library and inspire a love for books among young learners.
The initiative, which is aimed at promoting literacy and long-term educational impact, focused on three key areas: reviving existing library spaces, donating relevant books and learning materials, and educating pupils on the value of reading.
The project team began with a survey of schools across Akure and selected St. Paul Anglican Primary based on the presence of a library structure and the willingness of the school leadership to support the initiative. A pre-visit ensured that the library was cleared and prepared for the donation.
On Friday, June 13, the team arrived at the school with a collection of age-appropriate books. Pupils were engaged in their classrooms with inspiring talks on the importance of reading. The sessions highlighted the transformative power of books, with examples of notable individuals whose lives were shaped by their reading habits.
In addition to the book donations, each pupil received educational stationery to support their learning journey. Gifts were also presented to pupils who actively participated and answered questions during the sessions, fostering excitement and appreciation for knowledge.
Welcoming the team, the Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Fagbote Kehinde, expressed deep appreciation for the intervention. She described the library revival as “timely” and assured the team that “the school will ensure that the sacrifices made are put to good use.”
Mrs. Godsgift Odutayo, Director of Projects and Programs, emphasized the long-term vision of the initiative, stating:
> “The goal is not just to fill shelves with books, but to cultivate a generation that values knowledge, imagination, and self-development. Through Read2Grow, we want to show children that books are bridges to better futures.”
Also speaking at the event, President of JCI Akure, Bisola Aluko, appreciated the school for their openness and cooperation. She appealed for continued support from the school management and staff as the project progresses, assuring them of the organization’s commitment to sustained impact.
The Read2Grow Project doesn’t end with a single visit. A follow-up is planned in six months to monitor how the library is being used, provide additional books, and assess the project’s impact. Moving forward, the initiative aims to reach five major primary schools in Akure over the next five years, reviving one school library each year as part of its long-term literacy development plan.
With initiatives like Read2Grow, the future of education in Akure is being rewritten—one child, one book, one library at a time.
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