Yesterday we had our first ever Book Fair in Gulu attended by about 80 people!
And it went smashingly! Librarian/author Cathy Kreutter was our key note speaker and challenged many directors and head teachers present! Her presentations were more than challenging to the many present and the language of school leaders soon changed. I heard remarks like: “we don’t have a functioning library, we have just a library, in fact we don’t even have a library we have a store room.” The self reflection and inspiration amongst local school leaders was so encouraging!
And what was even more encouraging was books were flying off the shelves! Two vendors who travelled up from Kampala with a range of books for sale sold out on the day. Ye of little faith in Gulu I said. It was an incredible sight to see local schools buying books.
Yesterday a small seed was sown to change the reading culture in our community. But we pray that we can continue to water that seed so it can grow.
Thank you again to all of those who donated to help bring this event to life! Many are requesting it should be an annual event… we are pondering that one 🙂
School participants and vendors at the book launch of Cathy Kreutter’s new counting book 1, 2, 3 Good Morning!
Participants browsing and buying books!
Cathy Kreutter’s storytelling aids for Tendo’s Wish.
Explaining the difference between a beginning reader and a storybook.
More browsing and buying at one of the stalls – a range of books from a book shop in Kampala.
Education NGO Pangea Education with their range of books and discussing with a local school director.
Connect Education Centre co-ordinator Sam Lukwiya announcing the new mobile library project – more on that one later 🙂
Education NGO Enjuba with a range of their locally produced storybooks on sale.
Jody’s first book signing 🙂 The local speech and language therapist Ojok Isaac asked me to sign his phonics reader.
A local 7-year-old reading ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ during our Book Fair.
Cathy Kreutter delivering the most active read aloud I have ever heard! And the rolex flew…… during her reading of Rock ‘n’ Roll Rolex.
School leaders participating in a role play during a reading activity led by Oasis Book Project.
More Read Aloud fun with Cathy Kreutter!
Gulu and northern Uganda’s only speech and language therapist Ojok Isaac discussing the benefits of reading to language development during the Book Fair.
Dan and Jodes... in Gulu, Uganda 
So,so thrilled for you Jody & team!
What a huge success for you all..thank you very much for this innovative day.
Gutted I couldn’t be there cheering you on..but your reputation and passion for all things ‘reading’ were guaranteed to draw people to your event.
Congratulations and well done.
X
Amazing Jody.
Congratulations to you and team.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤
Love and support always from
Your favourite T. A.