• A chorus of young readers rent the air as students across the country united in bid
Image: BIRD STORY AGENCY
More than 300,000 young voices echoed across more than 3,000 schools in Kenya, all reading aloud in unison in an historic attempt to break the world record for the most people reading aloud from the same text simultaneously.
From 8.30am to 9am on Friday (July 12), learners from various regions participated in this ambitious endeavour, aiming to surpass the current record held by the United States, which stands at 223,363 participants in 909 venues.
In 2015, Kenya unofficially broke this record with 229,034 children reading simultaneously across 1,097 schools.
This year, the goal was to officially document and break the record, showcasing a united front in promoting literacy and climate action.
The chosen passage for this monumental read-aloud was from "Kijiji Cha Ukame," a Kiswahili book by Dr Hamisi Babusa.
The narrative, focusing on themes of community resilience and environmental restoration, was selected for its relevance to climate change and its potential to inspire young readers.
"We aimed to harness the transformative power of reading to amplify the voices of African children in the fight against climate change," said Evelyne Mwandia, executive director of Start A Library Trust.
Start A Library Trust has been instrumental in promoting literacy and lifelong learning through the National Read Aloud, a flagship programme designed to cultivate a love of reading among children aged 9-14 and highlight their potential as change agents.
"This is not just about setting a new record; it’s about creating a legacy of informed, proactive youth," Mwandia said, emphasising the broader impact of the initiative.
The effort also highlighted the role of diverse sectors in supporting literacy and environmental consciousness. From government officials to educational organisations, NGOs and corporates, the widespread involvement underscored the collective effort needed to tackle climate change.
SAL campaign manager Damaris Kakui said, "The captivating stories sparked awareness and empowered a generation of young climate change ambassadors."
This record-breaking attempt follows another keenly followed African achievement when, last year, Nigerian chef Hilda Bassey, known as Hilda Baci, set the world record for the longest individual cooking marathon.
Baci cooked for an incredible 100 hours, although Guinness World Records recorded her official time as 93 hours and 11 minutes due to an error in rest breaks.
Despite the adjustment, her feat of preparing over 100 pots of food for large groups remains impressive and inspiring.
In Kenya, participants from various schools and regions gathered at select anchor schools, including Mbagathi Primary School in Nairobi, Umoja 1 Primary School in Umoja estate, Menengai Integrated Primary School in Nakuru and Kilimani Primary School in Kilimani.
Others were Langata Road Primary School in Langata estate, Muguga Green Primary School on Waiyaki Way and Sacred Heart Comprehensive School in Mvita, Mombasa.
Media partners and sponsors were on hand to support and document this historic event, ensuring its success and the accurate verification of participation numbers.
The initiative sought to go beyond mere record-breaking but also to inspire and educate young minds about the pressing issue of climate change.
"This is about more than just a record; it's about making a lasting impact," Mwandia said. By engaging children in a collective reading effort, the initiative hoped to foster a deep-seated love for reading, while simultaneously raising awareness about environmental issues.
The choice of "Kijiji Cha Ukame" was particularly apt, as it illustrated the tangible impacts of climate change and the importance of community action in mitigating these effects.