Encouraging Reading: LRF Visits St Nicholas Anglican School in Rivers State

School Name: St Nicholas Anglican School, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Contact Person: Mrs. Blessing (Headmistress)

Date of Visit: Friday, 14th of February, 2025

Attendance: 200 pupils (apart from nursery students), 5 teachers

Representatives of the Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF)

Ifeyinwa Francis

Vera Francis

Favor George

Session Summary

The program commenced at 11 a.m. with Miss Ifeyinwa Susan introducing the Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) to the pupils.

She explained that the foundation’s aim is to motivate children to read more, considering the level of illiteracy and reading apathy among pupils, including those in the University. She urged them to embrace literature, saying that ‘you must read to lead’.

Vera then explained the benefits of reading, saying that ‘reading improves the mind’. Through reading, the mind takes in new things. People who read continue to improve their minds rather than remaining stagnant. Reading also improves communication skills, especially among peers.

Vera further advised the pupils of St Nicholas Anglican School to go to their teachers for explanation, if they came across words or topics that were confusing to them.

Over ten pupils were invited to read aloud from a storybook. Those who struggled with pronunciation were guided through the words. Then, the entire group was engaged in a question-and-answer section.

Each of the ten students who read was awarded the same book as a prize.

Ifeyinwa Francis thanked the school for welcoming the Foundation and a student was called out by one of the teachers to give a vote of thanks.