In August 2024, the Rainbow Room Foundation (RRF) proudly marked the first anniversary of its Tweens Programme Book Club. Launched in August 2023, the Book Club was created to foster a love for reading among young learners and help them develop crucial literacy skills. Over the past year, we’ve seen tremendous growth not only just in numbers but also in the personal journeys of the tweens who have taken part. This milestone reflects the power of reading, the dedication of RRF staff and Volunteer Young Mentors (VYMs), and the resilience and curiosity of the tweens themselves.
Achievements Over the Past Year
When the Book Club first began, we averaged 116 attendees out of 200 registered members. Today, we serve an average of 172 out of 218 registered members, showing an increasing enthusiasm for reading within the North Bukusu Location community. Many of the children who joined initially struggled with reading and lacked the confidence to participate in group activities. But through the supportive environment fostered by our staff and VYMs, these tweens have made remarkable strides.
One particular child stands out as a testament to this progress. When he joined the Book Club, he could barely read aloud without stumbling and often chose to sit quietly in group discussions. A few months later, after consistent encouragement and practice, he reads confidently and has taken on an active role in group story narrations. His transformation has been inspiring, and his mother shared, “The Book Club has changed my son’s attitude toward reading. His overall academic performance has improved and scores good marks in insha and composition writing.”
Engaging Activities and Mixed-Gender Games
In addition to reading, we introduced mixed-gender games, where boys and girls played together in activities like football and hula-hooping. Initially, boys were reluctant to try hula hoops, and girls hesitated to join football matches. To ease the tension, our VYMs demonstrated that anyone could participate in any game. For instance, Laureen Musamali (VYM Cohort 2) jumped into the football games, encouraging the girls to join. The mix was well-received once the initial hesitation passed, and we noticed the tweens interacting more freely, not just during games but also during group discussions.
One of the girls, who had been shy, became more engaged once she saw her peers participating together. By the end of the August session, she was enthusiastically leading her team in football—an inspiring example of how breaking down traditional barriers can foster confidence.
Lessons Learned
This first year has taught us that the Book Club is not just about improving literacy—it’s about creating a social space where the tweens feel free to express themselves, share ideas, and collaborate. The sessions have encouraged imagination and curiosity, with the pupils learning to question what they read and explore different perspectives. It’s been rewarding to see children actively discussing books, using new vocabulary, and gaining confidence in their abilities.
The Book Club has also shown us how valuable it is to introduce fun alongside learning. Activities like story narrations, drawing, and role-playing have proven to be powerful tools for enhancing comprehension while keeping the children engaged. At the end of each session, we see the tweens leaving with a greater sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the stories they have read.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future
As we celebrate this important milestone, we look to the future with great optimism. Over the next 10 years, we aim to expand the program further, nurturing a generation of children who not only excel in literacy but also perform well in their academic assessments across Bungoma County. Our dream is to see these tweens grow into confident, curious, and high-achieving individuals, thus raising RRF’s profile.
We remain committed to this journey, and with the continued support of our community, RRF staff, and VYMs, we look forward to achieving even greater milestones in the years ahead. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible year. We are excited for what’s to come!
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