Background

A key aspect of education is the expansion of brain function. Numerous studies show that reading is a great tool to promote cognitive development and learning. The ability to read and comprehend allows children to self-learn, explore new topics, contributes greatly to a child’s imagination and broadens their world view. While the academic community understands the value of reading, the pressures of academics often do not allow children time to read for pleasure. As schools remain closed due to Covid-19, children have no reading material.

About the initiative

Let's READ, UWM's nationwide initiative aims to nurture a love for books and reading among children who cannot afford access to books of their own. The situation is further exacerbated as schools remain closed due to the covid pandemic. UWM gifts each child a set of 5 beautifully illustrated children’s books. This is complemented by virtual book reading sessions by children’s authors and professional storytellers as well as virtual assisted reading sessions by employee volunteers. Mini libraries (comprising of 130 books each) are gifted to their schools/NGO centres. Virtual workshops are conducted for their teachers on conducting similar reading sessions.

Volunteer's role

To address this, through the virtual edition of the Let's READ project, UWM aims to provide access to books and reading by gifting children a set of 5 books each. These books will be delivered to the children and will be complemented with virtual storytelling sessions by professional storytellers. Additionally, virtual assisted reading activities will be conducted by employee volunteers. In virtual breakout rooms on digital platforms like Zoom, with personalized attention from employee volunteers, the children will have the opportunity to read books virtually. They may also engage the children in story recall activities post the reading. Volunteers will be oriented in techniques of assisted reading prior to the session.