NABOTU supported the implementation of Children’s Reading Tents in Mpigi district in 2008 in which teachers were trained, and books donated to the participating schools. The centers included; Kibibi – Butambala, Nkozi, St. Theresa Mawokota, Budde – Butambala and St. Kizito Mpigi.

An evaluation of the CRT activities in Mpigi carried out in November 2008 indicates that we are making a positive change towards the promotion of reading amidst various challenges. The donated books were a boost to the schools in promoting reading amongst the children. 60% of the schools did not have any alternative reading books apart from the NABOTU donations. Teachers are beginning to notice improvement in fluency and confidence among the children. All the teachers interviewed said that the children are very excited about reading and are always eager to attend the reading lessons. The challenge is inadequate books compared to the high number of children. Some schools such as Buwere Primary School in Mawokota formed a Reading Club; this is a sign that both children and teachers are embracing the idea of reading for life. NABOTU is happy to note that our efforts are yielding positive results.

However, there are some challenges hindering reading promotion in many of the schools. These include; inadequate books compared to the high number of children. Teachers lack materials to make supplementary reading materials for the children.

There’s Lack of storage facilities for the donated books. Some teachers and pupils are still not interested in reading and do not take the reading lessons as a priority. Some schools mentioned unfavorable conditions that hinder reading, for example schools do not provide lunch for the children and reading lessons are conducted in the afternoon when children are hungry. This makes them lose interest in reading. We call upon the education authorities to address the challenges in the schools.