KwaraLEARN (Leading Education Achievement and Reform Now) has joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s World Book Day, with a renewed commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders through reading and learning, while promoting a culture of literacy and education in Kwara State.
World Book Day is an annual celebration that promotes the love of books and reading. Every year, on April 23rd, people all over the world come together to acknowledge the importance of books as a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures. This year’s World Book Day theme, selected by UNESCO, is “Indigenous Languages.” This theme highlights the significance of preserving and promoting the use of indigenous languages, which are an essential part of cultural heritage and identity.
KwaraLEARN recognises the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages, especially in a region where a significant portion of the population are native Yorùbá speakers. In line with UNESCO’s Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022–2032, KwaraLEARN has made a concerted effort to incorporate indigenous language lessons and resources into its curriculum.
In the past year, KwaraLEARN distributed over 1,184,915 textbooks and learning materials to schools in Kwara State, amongst these, indigenous language textbooks, demonstrating a commitment to changing the status quo and improving the quality of education for each and every child.
“We believe that language is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity and that by preserving and promoting indigenous languages, we can help create a more diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich society,” said KwaraLEARN’s Academic Director, Femi Oyinloye.
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader” is not just a catchy slogan; it’s a truth that has been proven time and time again. We believe that reading and learning are the keys to unlocking a brighter future for the Kwaran child and our nation,” said Isaiah Owolabi, the Managing Director of KwaraLEARN.
While we are committed to promoting indigenous languages and preserving cultural heritage, we also recognise the importance of providing our pupils with access to quality education across a broad range of subjects. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the modern world, Isaiah added.
As part of our World Book Day celebration, KwaraLEARN is organising a series of events aimed at promoting reading culture. These events include book swaps and storytelling sessions, all aimed at fostering a love for reading.
2019 Nobel Prize-winning economist, Professor Michael Kremer’s groundbreaking study in Kenya found that the same methodology that underpins KwaraLEARN delivered learning three times more in literacy than traditional teaching methods. The study is among the greatest of any rigorously studied intervention in Africa/Emerging Markets.
“We believe that reading is essential to personal and professional growth, and we are committed to fostering a love for reading in our pupils, but equally important is our mission to provide solutions to learning poverty,” said Dr Razak Agboola, a Learning and Innovation Expert at KwaraLEARN.
As the celebration comes to an end, KwaraLEARN reiterates its commitment to empowering every child in Kwara State with quality education and the tools they need to succeed. With a renewed focus on promoting indigenous languages, KwaraLEARN is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region while also providing access to quality education.
