A Girl’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 the Oromia Region, southwest of Ethiopia. Through engaging activities, dedicated volunteers, and a supportive environment, Reading Camp is aimed at empowering children to become confident and fluent readers.

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

When Anila started a reading session at the Omo Nadda reading camp in her village, her reading performance and overall 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 skills.”

In Anila’s region, parents often send their children with reading difficulties to the nearby reading camps two days a week to help them improve their reading skills. “Now I come to this reading camp every weekend with my friends and read different story books to develop my reading skills,” 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 play. Also, we encourage them to read stories loudly to their peers during the reading session,” says Misre Derje, a teacher at the Reading Camp. 

Now Anila has gone from being one of the lowest readers in her class to a fluent, engaged reader in her class. “We read stories, and poems, play games and draw pictures in the reading camp and I feel happy. Now I can read words and sentences by myself,” Anila explains. 

The reading camp not only improved children's 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, a Reading Camp coordinator.

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

By Samuel Zerihun, Communications Coordinator (Education), World Vision Ethiopia