Itoro Essien is a passionate advocate for education and child development. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics and Biotechnology and a Masters of Science degree in Information Technology, she brings a unique blend of expertise to her role as the founder of the Bookers Root Club.
In this interview with Daily Trust, the mother of two with 7 years in the banking sector, shared how she started Bookers Root Club, her plans for the kids and challenges.
What made you think of creating a reading club?
As the saying goes, charity begins at home. I started with reading to my own kids and witnessed the magic of storytelling firsthand. They are my greatest inspiration for starting Bookers Root, a place where children can discover the wonders of books just like my own. Above all I know for a fact, God blessed me with this idea.
Why for kids, not adults?
Why not children? Children are the future, and instilling a love for reading in them at an early age sets a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness their imagination soar as they delve into stories and adventures. And like I mentioned earlier, I get inspiration from my children on several levels.
How far, so far?
The journey with Bookers Root has been nothing short of amazing. From humble beginnings reading to my own children, we’ve grown into a vibrant community of young readers. Seeing the enthusiasm and anticipation in their eyes at each meet-up is a blessing. This satisfaction is what fuels each session. I thank God so so much for this opportunity.
How do you pick your books?
Book selection is a careful process, considering diverse interesting stories, engaging themes, and age-appropriate content. My own kids, as well as the interests of the children in the club, play a significant role in choosing books that captivate and inspire.
How is the attendance?
Attendance has been growing steadily, thanks to the support of parents and the excitement of the kids. However, we can do better and we will do better in getting more children to join the club. We’re constantly exploring new ways to spread the word and put Bookers Root on Abuja’s map. But I am glad that I have a constant 2 attendees (my kids).
How do you encourage the kids?
Discussions and disagreements are part of the learning process. I let every child get to read during our meet-ups. This way they feel important and heard. We foster an environment of respect and open dialogue, where every child’s voice is heard. The joy of sharing ideas and insights during discussions is a highlight for the kids, and it greatly aids in their book reports. ( a book report is written after a book is completed by every child).
What are the challenges?
There is no challenge, except we would want to get more kids to join the club. However, this also presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. We’re working on creative ways to reach out to families and make Bookers Root a must-visit for young readers. And, we do need a bigger, permanent space.
Are you seeing any positive impacts of reading from the kids?
Absolutely. One of the most heartwarming moments for me was when my daughter expressed her desire to write a book. Seeing her enthusiasm and creativity sparked by our reading sessions was truly special. Many kids in the club are now eagerly looking forward to each meet-up, which speaks volumes about the impact of reading.
What would you say is your biggest success so far?
My biggest success is seeing the genuine interest and excitement in my kids and the club members when it comes to reading. Witnessing my daughter working on her own book and hearing the kids eagerly discuss stories during our sessions is a testament to the joy of reading.
How do you plan to mitigate the short span of book clubs?
To mitigate the short span often associated with book clubs, I plan to evolve Bookers Root into more than just a reading club. We’ll incorporate non-academic activities, fill gaps for busy parents, and create a holistic experience that goes beyond the pages of a book. Above all, this idea came from God and I am confident he will sustain it for me.
Do you see club members becoming writers in the near future?
Absolutely. The discussions and storytelling activities in our club are already sparking the creativity of our young readers. From my daughter’s budding book project to the eagerness of other club members to share their own stories, I believe we’ll see many young writers emerge from Bookers Root in the near future by the special grace of God.
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