In 2025 Rosemary Odongo, ABCA Africa - Kenya Director started a new reading program in Nairobi, Kenya called Reading Adventures. The program runs under the umbrella of ABCA Kenya and The MINT (https://www.facebook.com/TheMINTforLibraries/).

Reading is not just pleasurable; it enhances a child's mental capacities.

It is a well-known problem that youth in Kenya have very low reading and writing skills, leading to poor performances in school and college. One of the major underlying problems is the lack of regular reading which improves language and grammar. This is due to inadequate reading facilities, namely libraries, in which children can build their reading and writing skills at an early age.

Reading Adventures is a read-aloud initiative targeting children in grades 1-6 with the aim of improving their English language skill. The goal of Reading Adventures is to promote literacy in children at an early age by encouraging the reading and comprehension of English books, as well as creative writing. The intention is to provide a place where children can come regularly to read a diverse genre of literature, in a relaxed, fun and creative atmosphere.

Implementation Plan

Reading Aloud Session:

This is geared towards strengthening their language skills, supporting self-expression and building confidence in their reading abilities. The children also get to discuss their thoughts and ideas, enhancing comprehension and critical thinking in a supportive environment. The sessions will run monthly, facilitated by Reading Assistants. The books will be provided by ABCA Africa.

Story Game Session:

This is an interactive story-telling session where children create new stories together in a game setting. This is aimed at enhancing their thinking skills, widening their vocabulary, and helping them learn how to weave together a story that is comprehensible.

Creating Kiddie Content:

In the process of reading regularly, we expect the children to develop a capacity for creating new stories that can be compiled and published as their own original content.

Feeding:

Each time they come for the sessions, the children will be able to have a healthy meal or snacks so that they can concentrate and participate fully in the planned programs. The feeding exercise will be coordinated by The MINT volunteers.

Sustainability Plan

We envision Reading Adventures as a long-term project that will grow into a Learning Centre, offering various educational services for children in local communities, particularly library services.

Once established, Reading Adventures will be replicated across the country in various counties with uniform systems and structures.