At AIFA Reading Society, promoting youth literacy and fostering a lifelong love for books is at the heart of our mission. It is always a delight to partner with organisations like Slum2School Africa to host impactful book club sessions that ignite curiosity and shape young minds.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, students from various schools gathered at the Slum2School Educational Centre in Makoko, Lagos, for another enriching book club session in Nigeria. The atmosphere was lively from the onset, as icebreakers set the tone for an engaging day of storytelling and learning.
Ms. Ijeoma Ezenwere, one of our facilitators, opened the session and introduced the selected reading for the day—“The Day Jide Became a Leader.” Two students read the story aloud, while the rest of the room listened attentively. The story quickly drew them in, sparking a thoughtful discussion.
The students related strongly with the main character, Jide, who initially struggled with self-doubt but eventually embraced his leadership abilities with encouragement from his friend Aisha. The discussion explored key themes such as student leadership development, friendship, self-belief, and taking initiative even in the absence of formal titles.
Guided by the moderator, the students reflected on practical ways they can lead within their schools and communities, emphasizing that leadership is about actions—not just positions. From showing kindness to taking responsibility, the children saw how they could make a difference in their everyday environments.
This session was more than just a reading activity; it was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of storytelling in building character and leadership in children. At AIFA Reading Society, we are committed to expanding access to book clubs for students in underserved communities, creating safe learning environments that help young people thrive intellectually and emotionally.
We look forward to more sessions that inspire, empower, and cultivate a vibrant reading culture in Nigeria. Through literature, we will continue to plant seeds of purpose and possibility in the next generation of leaders.
