Lodwar, 5th February 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Turkana County on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Read Aloud Day, an event aimed at promoting literacy and culture of reading among children and adults.
This year’s was commemorated under the theme,” Read aloud, ignite minds, change the world”.
The event, organized by the Turkana County Department of Education, sports and social protection, saw hundreds of learners participate in reading sessions and stressed the importance of reading in fostering knowledge and development.
The County Chief Officer for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), Paul Lodunga, emphasized the importance of building confidence in young learners and fostering a spirit of independence in education.
Speaking at the event at St. Michael’s Kawalase comprehensive school where this year’s event was held, the CCO Lodunga highlighted the role of storytelling and reading aloud in enhancing literacy and nurturing a culture of learning among children.
“We must encourage our children to be bold, curious and independent thinkers. By celebrating a culture of reading aloud and storytelling, we empower them to embrace knowledge with confidence,” CCO Lodunga Said.
Chief Lodunga urged teachers, parents, and stakeholders to actively support literacy programs that make learning engaging and impactful for young learners.
He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to strengthening ECDE programs to ensure a strong educational foundation for every child in Turkana.
Turkana County Librarian Hellen Mbotela, described the event as a great opportunity for learners to develop retention skills and improve their information-processing abilities through exposure to new vocabulary.
She also stressed the importance of strengthening the bond between teachers and learners through reading activities.
“I encourage parents to bring their children to the library to expand their knowledge. Libraries are not just for books—they are centers for research and learning, even for higher education students,” Mbotela emphasized.
Also in attendance was the school headteacher and a couple of teachers.
