Why I am part of World Read Aloud Day

Imagine a world without books.

               

Fortunately,  I can't. How else would I be able to cross the Bridge to Therabitia or to sing with the Wizard of Oz?

Some might argue that you see this so much better in movies, but I am, for lack of a better word, "traditional".

I love holding books in my hand. I love how it smells. I love how I can picture worlds of my own creation in my minds eye (without the interference of directors and actors who are never as good as you imagine).

I started reading novels when I was six (Sweet Valley Kids). In between swimming at the beach and running around mums garden, I was curled up on the couch with a book in my hand. I grew up with these stories. I saw the world through them. I saw its beauty and its adventures and its injustices and I learned. I want so much for people, especially children, to learn as well. While I can't imagine a world without books, a lot of people have to.


Litword says that, "Worldwide at least 793 million people remain illiterate". That is why I am participating in World Read Aloud Day along with 390 children. Ten percent of these are children, if we look at the Philippines statistics, might not return to school for the 3rd grade (http://www.readerstransform.com/faq.php).

I see these children once a week for about 30 minutes of story time and activities. I see how enthralled they are and how much they enjoying listening to the stories and looking at the pictures. For those 30 minutes, I see them wonder and I wish they could have this every day.

By taking part in this activity, I am hoping to raise awareness for Literacy. I am hoping that each of these children and their communities know that reading is not a privilege or for the privileged. Reading is a  right.

Lit World says:

I am raising my voice and counting myself in. Are you?:)