It has been said many times that if you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book – you don’t even have to write it. Just place it in a book. This is used to point to the fact that our reading culture is very low, it’s like we have a hate relationship with books.

So in an effort to promote a reading culture and love of learning on a national scale in Uganda, enjuba, in collaboration with Peace Corps Uganda and the Ministry of Education has come together to designate a specific day and time, where everyone in schools, communities and organizations across Uganda puts down what they are doing and engages in reading.

DEAR Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the importance of literacy and a reading culture while also celebrating the community and its members. Teachers, pupils and organizations can engage in activities such as: Silent Reading whereby a reader reads silently to him or herself using any material available, Buddy Reading whereby two people take turns reading the same book to each other and Read Aloud where one person reads a book or text to a classroom or even a whole school or colleagues at work or in the market.