Natalia's Reading Nooks
It’s about instilling a love of reading in children by creating these happy, fun places. A model that could be replicated in many other areas in the world.
Impacts of The Project
Reading nooks built
12
Amount raised
$11,900
Books bought/collected
1,500
Founded in December 2019 —
Natalia's Reading Nooks is based in a primary school on a remote island in the Philippines.
The story behind the project
Charities such as Andres Soriano Foundation (ASF) and Amanpulo (Villa for a Cause) have done excellent work helping the small communities on these islands. However, illiteracy is a big issue for the adults on Manamoc island. With projects focussing primarily on the education of high school students, I wanted to do something for the youngest children where a love of reading could potentially blossom, flourish and continue for the rest of their lives.
The Philippines was impacted particularly hard during COVID, the school was shut for 450 consecutive days.
During that time the books from the Reading Nooks became an important part of their modular learning not only for the kindergarten children but also years 1&2.
Natalia's Reading Nook's journey
In October 2022 I was able to visit the island again. The Reading Nooks had become such a success with the children that the school asked me to build them in all their classrooms for children to enjoy during their entire time there. In April 2023 these Reading Nooks were installed in all the classrooms of Manamoc Elementary School.
Find out more about the story behind this project