In commemoration of the World Book Day, the founder Tai-Ololade Salvador Foundation, TOS, has called for the promotion of increased literacy amongst children through open reading.

Salvador made the call during the 2019 World Book Day programme organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK in partnership with TOS Educational Initiative.

According to her, literacy level could only be improved when a child’s interest in reading is ignited and this could be achieved when functional book clubs and libraries were created in public, private schools and even parks.

“We also encourage school proprietors to consider establishing book clubs in schools so that children can cultivate good reading habits early enough because the only way you can acquire more knowledge is through reading and cultivating the habit of going to the library to read,” she said.

She added that the Foundation’s collaboration with LASPARK to celebrate the International World Book Day was also to get children deeply involved in the whole process of reading by encouraging open reading because “the quality of education is dwindling by the day”, she said.

Salvador noted that different book clubs will be brought to the park and the Foundation will work in partnership with local authors to support them as “we’ll help them showcase their works”.

“We want these children to believe in our own, believe in Africa and believe in Lagos State. We have about 19 different schools that have keyed into this project. As a community, people and nation, education is the only gift you can give that nobody can take away from you. We have to start giving back”.

She urged the students to desist from engaging in frivolous activities.  “It is high time we had classrooms with all digital equipment and effective tools for our students to study better; we cannot continue to use olden day’s method of teaching and expect a 21 century result from our kids. Nothing is best given to a child than a better education.

Salvador advised corporate organisations and philanthropists to improve on the literacy level of Nigerian citizens by building libraries in schools and public places across the federation.

The programme themed: “Open a book to read even in the parks”, had students from Kosofe High School, Ketu; Ajao Junior High school, Anthony Village; Future Gold Private schools, Carol Nursery and Primary school, Agidingbi, Eletu Odigbo school, Abule Oja among others in attendance.

Story by: Theresa Igata