Timeline
This is the map of the journey so far for the charity and the people that benefit from the reading nooks.
I wish to thank the people of Manamoc who work at Amanpulo hotel and are the project's backbone.
As a way of giving back, I came up with the idea to build reading nooks in the two kindergarten classrooms at their elementary school. Many of the young children dislike reading. No wonder, as their only books are the academic texts used to teach them how to read, that they have to master in order to advance a grade.
April 2019
I visited Manamoc Elementary and first spoke with the Principal and team there about building Reading Nooks for the two Kindergarten classrooms. I then started my fundraising campaign to build these nooks.
I will provide shelving, a variety of books and beanbags. I aim to buy 300 English books and 300 Filipino books. I want it to all be ready for the Christmas holidays—a present for the kids.
December 2019
I have raised £4,170 and collected hundreds of books, which I have sent and carried over. I went over to Manamoc and installed the first reading nooks. Just in time for Christmas!
January 2020
COVID-19 … Manamoc's elementary school has been shut down. The books from the nooks have now become vital to the island's remote learning. They are putting the bookshelves onto wagons and wheeling them around the island to the children. This is now benefitting the children in Years 1 and 2 as well.
October 2022
I am the first foreign visitor allowed to visit Manamoc now that COVID-19 has abated. I was so moved to see the children interacting with the books and reading to me. The project is more successful than I ever dreamed possible. I met with the Principal and reflected on its success. We've agreed to extend the initiative to Years 4, 5 and 6 as well so that the entire school can reap the benefits. I'm thrilled and have started another fundraiser.
Through a combination of GoFundMe donations, selling donated designer pieces and another book drive, I have raised over £5,000 and acquired another 150 books.
January 2023
I launch a new campaign to raise the money and books we need to build these new Reading Nooks. Through a combination of GoFundMe donations, selling donated designer pieces and another book drive, I have raised over £5,000 and acquired another 150 books.
April 2023
Reading nooks have finally been installed in all of the classrooms, enabling the whole school to enjoy them and the many benefits that come with being able to read.
The future
Having witnessed the tremendous success of the reading nooks model and the positive effect it's had on the children of Manamoc, I am keen to replicate it in many othe r schools within the Philippines, Asia and around the world. I'm on a mission to encourage as many children as possible to fall in love with reading.
Thank you.
