Writers speak on enhancing reading culture among children

Some youth stakeholders in the literary world have charged children to spend more time in reading in order to hone their writing skills and perform better academically. They gave the charge on Thursday in Lagos at the “Green December Book Party for Kids” organised by the African Writers Tribe (AWT). Christmas: Udom urges citizens to […]

Some youth stakeholders in the literary world have charged children to spend more time in reading in order to hone their writing skills and perform better academically.

They gave the charge on Thursday in Lagos at the “Green December Book Party for Kids” organised by the African Writers Tribe (AWT).

• Christmas: Udom urges citizens to reject politicians inciting violence
• APC petitions NJC over ex-parte orders by two Bauchi judges

Mrs Oghenekevbe Ogufere, AWT founder, said the event was aimed at encouraging children to read while having fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

Mrs Ogufere, an author and book coach, said the event would also help identify talents who could be assisted in developing their writing skills.

She added that many children going through abuse and trauma found it easier to express their emotions through writing.

“Reading does a lot for the children because a child that reads will be informed, encouraged, inspired and motivated,” she said.

Mrs Ruth Adewale, a lawyer, said book reading helped to boost children’s confidence.

Mrs Adewale added that having the right communication skills would not only help children in their careers, but also in relationship with others.

She said: “I want them to see that life isn’t only about school and music. It’s also about sharpening the four communication skills.

“Everybody can read and write, but what about the listening and speaking skills?”

Mrs Tyna Nwachukwu said reading and writing had helped her daughter improve academically.

Mrs Nwachukwu, whose 13-year-old daughter, Adaeze, is the author of “Keeping My Father’s Legacy and Other Stories”, cautioned parents against forcing their will on children.

“Focus on your children. Know what they like, where they want to go and where their interests lie and guide them to achieve them,” she advised.

Adaeze said she had always loved reading and writing, promising to follow the footsteps of her late father, McPhilips Nwachukwu, an author and former Arts Editor at Vanguard newspaper.

“To enable me to acquire writing skills, I joined writers associations, book clubs online and that’s how I wrote my first book,” she said.

Chinedu Oroke (13), who has written 30 poems, said he was inspired to write poetry when the founder of AWT gave a motivational talk at his school.

He expressed plans to help his family with the money earned through poetry. (NAN)