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Branama Children’s Foundation has marked the second anniversary of Branama Children’s Television with the launch of Project READ, a literacy-focused initiative, aimed at improving reading and numeracy skills among young children.
The anniversary celebration, held at Ikeja GRA Primary School, Lagos, also served as a Christmas party for pupils, during which the foundation donated more than 150 storybooks, educational materials and other support items to the school’s library.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Branama Children’s TV and Coordinator of Branama Children’s Foundation, Mrs Betty Dibiah, said the initiative was inspired by the urgent need to address Nigeria’s low literacy levels among children.
Citing UNICEF statistics, Dibiah noted that about 70 to 75 percent of children under the age of 14 cannot read a simple sentence, while over 10 million children remain out of school.
She described literacy in reading and mathematics as critical to national development, adding that Project READ was the foundation’s contribution to tackling the challenge.
According to her, the initiative goes beyond book donations, focusing on interactive learning through storytelling, vocabulary development and creative writing. She said the foundation would return to the school regularly to read with pupils and engage them in storytelling sessions to make books more accessible and enjoyable.
Dibiah also highlighted Branama Children’s Television, which airs on StarTimes Channel 135, as a platform dedicated to promoting Nigerian culture, creativity and learning among children.
Representing the Ikeja Local Government Education Authority, the Head of Social Mobilisation, Mrs Adeniji Foluke, commended the foundation for supporting basic education through public-private partnerships.
She expressed appreciation for the donation of storybooks to the school library and pledged continued collaboration.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Branama TV and one of the foundation’s coordinators, Mrs Diane Olatunde, described the initiative as a way of giving back to society, especially during the Christmas season.
She said the foundation believes in entertaining children, while educating them, adding that reading plays a vital role in shaping young minds.
The event featured goodwill messages from pupils and school staff, as well as presentations to officially flag off Project READ.
The foundation announced plans to expand the initiative to other schools, subject to the approval of education authorities.
Speaking on behalf of the pupils, Wahjud Ali expressed gratitude to the foundation for the Christmas celebration, gifts and educational support, offering prayers for its continued success.
Branama Children’s Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement through reading clubs and literacy activities to help children develop strong reading skills from an early age.
