Anila’s Transformation into a Fluent Reader

Reading Camp model is a transformative educational programme designed for children to enhance their reading skills. Omo Nadda Reading Camp is one of the reading camps established by World Vision in Jimma Zone of the Oromia region Southwest Ethiopia. 

Through engaging activities, dedicated volunteers, and a supportive environment, the Reading Camp aimed at empowering children to become confident and fluent readers. 

Anila, an 8-year-old grade two student, was once struggling to read simple words and sentences. She was one of the low readers in her class due to anxiety to read, which in turn affecting her overall academic performance. While struggling with reading, Anila, felt discouraged and left behind her peers in the classroom. 

When Anila started a reading session at the Omo Nadda reading camp in her village her reading condition and behaviour began to change over time.  

Through interactive lessons, guided reading sessions, and a range of exciting exercises, Anila's confidence to read began to blossom. 

At first, I couldn't even read simple words or sentences in the classroom - Anila recalls. One of my teachers selected me to join the reading camp to help improve my reading skill.

In Omo Nada parents send their children with reading difficulties to the nearby reading camps two days in a week to attend the reading session to help them improve their reading skills.  

I come to this reading camp every weekend with my friends and read different story books to develop my reading skill - Anila says. 

At the Reading Camp, trained instructors and volunteers employ various interactive techniques to make reading enjoyable and easy for children. They utilise age-appropriate reading materials, such as storybooks, poems, and educational games, to capture the children's interest and imagination. 

We read story books and other educational materials for children through playing. Also we encourage them to read stories loudly to their peers during the reading session - Misre Derje, a Teacher at the Reading Camp.  

Now Anila went from being one of the low readers in her class to a fluent, engaged reader in her class. 

We read stories, poems, play games and draw pictures in the reading camp and I feel happy. Now I am able to read words and sentences by myself - Anila explains.  

The reading camp not only improved children literacy skills but also ignited a love for reading within them. 

We have seen a lot of children like Anila find their passion for reading and thrive academically as a result. It's truly heartwarming to witness these transformations -  says Edosa Dufera, Reading camp coordinator 

Hanila's story is a testament to the power of the Reading Camp and its impact on children reading skill development. World Vision has established more than 5,000 reading camps across Ethiopia, benefiting millions of children.