Wezesha Girls Network Uganda on Tuesday joined hands with Raising Teenagers Uganda (RTU), Old Books for New Eyes, and Children Reach Out Uganda to host a Children’s Reading Camp at Vox Lounge in Nankulabye. This partnership brought together children from different backgrounds for a day filled with literacy, mentorship, fun, and hope, emphasizing the power of collective action in shaping the future of Uganda’s young generation.
The reading camp was born out of a shared vision to promote literacy and educational enthusiasm among children in under-resourced communities. With literacy being a fundamental pillar in unlocking future opportunities, the organizers aimed to create a safe and engaging space where children could not only read and learn, but also dream big.
Wezesha Girls Network Uganda, known for championing girls’ empowerment and education, brought its unique approach of mentorship and youth engagement to the event. Partnering with RTU, a leading voice in supporting adolescents through mentorship and community-based education, and with support from the book-donation initiative Old Books for New Eyes and the child-centered advocacy group Children Reach Out Uganda, the event became a well-rounded experience that addressed the holistic needs of children.
A Colorful Day of Activities and Inspiration
Readin camp was held at the community venue called Vox Lounge in Nankulabye, the event welcomed over 150 children aged 5–19. The lounge was transformed into a vibrant literacy zone, with reading corners, activity stations, and a stage for storytelling and performances.
Children were grouped according to age and reading levels, ensuring every child received attention and encouragement. Volunteers and mentors from the partner organizations guided children through a variety of activities, including Storytelling sessions ,Reading circles where children practiced aloud and helped one another, Drowing,Book giveaways, courtesy of Old Books for New Eyes, to help children build personal libraries at home.
We facilitated small group mentorship sessions where girls could express their dreams, ask questions, and connect with role models who encouraged them to remain in school and aim high.
“We are not just reading books—we are reading to become the leaders, doctors, teachers, and change-makers of tomorrow,” said one of the young girls during a story sharing moment that brought the room to tears and cheers.
We emphasized the importance of community-based literacy programs in bridging the gap for children who may not have access to sufficient reading materials or encouragement at home. “When we empower children with books and mentors, we are planting seeds of greatness,”
The impact of Old Books for New Eyes was visibly transformative, as their donated materials gave children access to storybooks, readers, and age-appropriate literature many of which the children had never seen before.
Children Reach Out Uganda also played a critical role in mobilizing the children and coordinating child protection measures to ensure the camp was inclusive and safe for every participant.
The children’s reading camp at Vox Lounge marked a beautiful blend of learning and joy. Parents, caregivers, and local leaders who passed by were visibly touched and inquired about how their children could join future camps. The success of this event called for the urgent need to scale such initiatives across Uganda, especially in areas where literacy levels remain low due to poverty and lack of resources.
“This is just the beginning,” said Ainomugisha Mercy Coordinator from Wezesha Girls Network Uganda. “We are committed to taking this model into more communities, and we believe that together, we can build a generation of confident, curious, and capable children.”
As the children carried their books, crafts, and new dreams back home, the message was loud and clear: when organizations collaborate for children, magic happens. With ongoing partnerships and consistent community support, the dream of a literate, empowered, and educated Uganda is not only possible, it’s already taking root.
The presence of Wezesha Girls Network Uganda added a big layer to the event, particularly in promoting girls’ participation and confidence in education.
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