Promote Reading & Literacy among Nigerian children

Executive Summary

On September 24th, 2025, United Way Nigeria successfully implemented the inaugural Caw to Action Program in Lagos at Olusosun Primary School. Supported by the Baltimore Ravens and the Odaffe Foundation for Opportunities, the initiative created a platform for children to learn, play, and express themselves through books, art, and games. 

The program directly reached 50 pupils from Primary 1–6, engaging them in interactive Book Buddies reading circles, Art Buddies collaborative painting, and a Games Corner that introduced children to both traditional and modern games such as Ayo, Chess, and Monopoly. These activities were designed to spark creativity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a culture of teamwork among the students. 

To strengthen literacy development beyond the one-day program, reading shelves and books were donated to the school, establishing the foundation for a functional library. This resource will enable pupils to borrow, read, and return books, thereby nurturing a lasting culture of reading within the school. 

The program was delivered with the support of volunteers, whose passion and hands-on engagement contributed to its success. Their role in guiding children through activities demonstrated the power of volunteerism in shaping brighter futures for underserved communities. By combining literacy, creativity, and play, this Caw to Action initiative has not only enriched the learning experience of Olusosun Primary School pupils but has also laid the groundwork for long-term impact. It stands as a testament to the power of partnership and community in driving meaningful change for children. 

Project Overview 

Nigeria continues to face a pressing challenge in foundational literacy and learning. According to UNESCO, over 70% of children in Nigeria aged 10 cannot read or understand a simple text, limiting their ability to thrive academically and socially. Early childhood is a critical stage where creativity, problem-solving, and confidence begin to form. Without access to books, creative outlets, and structured play, children in underserved schools are deprived of the chance to strengthen these essential skills. 

Olusosun Primary School in Lagos, like many public schools in underserved communities, struggles with limited access to reading materials, creative learning opportunities, and engaging extracurricular activities. This creates a learning environment where pupils often lack the resources and encouragement to nurture their imagination and critical thinking. 

In response to this challenge, United Way Greater Nigeria, with the support of the Baltimore Ravens and the Odaffe Foundation for Opportunities, brought the Caw to Action program to Lagos for the first time on September 24th, 2025, at Olusosun Primary School. The program introduced pupils to a holistic learning experience that combined literacy, creativity, and play. Activities included: 

Book Buddies: Reading circles and storytelling sessions to foster literacy and spark interest in books. 

Art Buddies : A collaborative painting activity, culminating in a symbolic art frame titled “Hands of Hope & Dreams”, created by pupils and volunteers together. 

Games Corner : Introduction to games such as Chess, Monopoly, Word Puzzle, and Ludo, which encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic problem solving.

To ensure sustainability beyond the event, two reading shelves and more than 200 books were  donated to the school. This marked the establishment of a functional library, giving pupils the opportunity to borrow, read, and return books, thereby building a continuous reading culture within the school.

The Caw to Action program was designed not only as a one-day engagement but as a spark for long term transformation. By blending literacy, art, and structured play, the initiative aimed to Strengthen children’s reading ability and comprehension. Build their self-esteem, self-expression, and creativity. Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills through games. Foster a culture of volunteerism and community support within the school environment. 

With a direct impact on 50 pupils (26 girls and 24 boys) and the establishment of a library resource that will servethe entire school community, the program has laid the groundwork for sustained improvements in literacy and creativity. It also highlights the power of partnerships bringing together global and local stakeholders to create opportunities for children in underserved communities.

Implementation Highlights

Participants Activities Book Buddies: 

1. 50 children  (26 girls, 24 boys) from Primary 1–6 
2. 5 teachers actively engaged in guiding sessions 
3. 8 volunteers facilitating reading, art, and games 

Outcome 

1. Sparked creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking in pupils 
2. Enabled access to books and sustained reading culture through school library 
3. Built confidence and teamwork via art and group activities 
4. Strengthened school-community collaboration 
5. Reading circles and storytelling 

Art Buddies: 

12 artworks created in cohorts; 1 big collaborative art piece 

Games Corner: 

Ayo, Chess, Scrabble, Monopoly, Word Puzzles introduced 

Library Donation: 

2 reading shelves + 200+ books to establish a school library 

Media Coverage 

Featured on: The Guardian Newspaper 

and Inspiration FM 

Instagram Stories showcased live program moments

Next Steps Sustainability 

• Continue to engage and train teachers on fostering reading habits, guiding book clubs, and integrating creative games into learning. 
• Build on the enthusiasm of our volunteers by creating more opportunities for them to mentor and support students in literacy and creative arts. 
• Partner with local organizations, parents, and community leaders to promote joint ownership of the reading culture and sustain the library resource. 
• Use the Olusosun Primary School project as a model to replicate in other schools within Lagos and beyond, thereby amplifying the culture of reading and creativity among children. 

Links:

• This Day Newspaper Report
• Guardian Newspaper Report