Building a Reading Culture on the African Continent by Oluwafemi-IMPACT Ogunjimi

On October 1st 2009, Bishop David Oyedepo, while speaking on “Your Responsibility in Staying Empowered in Your Field” at THE PLATFORM, a programme, organised by Covenant Christian Centre, emphasised the need for acquisition and use of knowledge. This gave birth to the vision of Readers Forum which is to build a Reading Culture on the Africa Continent.

I believe that everyone on earth has a purpose to achieve and since knowledge is vital to fulfilling that purpose, I saw it as a privilege to make mind-building knowledge available to both young and old. I took a step then to make books (Christian literature and motivational books) available to the public starting with secondary school students. I started by lending books to the students to read which they were to review at our monthly meetings where we also gave motivational talks. And since 2009, it’s been a worthwhile experience. This initiative which started at Holy Saviour’s College, Isolo, Lagos has now extended to six (6) other schools:

• Isolo Comprehensive Junior Secondary School, Isolo, Lagos.
• Isolo Junior High School, Isolo, Lagos
• HighQue Schools, Isolo, Lagos
• QS-Daystar College, Egan-Igando road, Igando, Lagos
• Toyek Triumph Comprehensive College, Igando, Lagos
• Baptist Academy, Awe, Oyo State.

It’s been an awesome and impactful time in the seven (7) schools. Students read books placed in the school and a termly meeting is held with them where they review books read and also listen to talks delivered by us. We also organise an inter-secondary school event tagged “The Great Minds”, which is aimed at building the mind of teenagers thereby building the future.

The Great Minds features debate, quiz, career and health talk, sex education, competitions, talent hunt and other mind building activities. We have successfully held 4 editions of this event since 2011.

Oluwafemi-IMPACT Ogunjimi

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