Wobulenzi-The ‘Ekisaakaate’ is an annual children’s holiday camp initiated in 2007 by Her Royal Highness Nnabagereka Sylvia Nagginda under the guidance of Buganda Kingdom. The ‘Ekisaakaate’ aims at nurturing young boys and girls into holistic and versatile individuals who can appreciate both cultural and modern values. This year’s Ekisaakaate was held at Katikamu SDA Secondary school and attracted students from different parts of Buganda.

 

NABOTU was invited by the organizers of the ‘Ekisaakaate’ to talk to the children about the importance of reading and inculcating a reading culture among the children. This was a great development considering that NABOTU had a programme that engaged cultural leaders to embrace reading as a cultural issue that needed to be championed by cultural institutions. And in 2000 the Kabaka presided at one of the official book week ceremonies then.

 

 

L-R: Augustine Lusiiba-Gustro Ltd and Chairman Uganda Booksellers Association,

 

NABOTU was represented at the Ekisaakaate by members with vast experience in reading and books. These included Mr. Phenny Birungi, NABOTU board member, Mr. Gus Lusiba, Chairman of Uganda Book Sellers Association and Mr. Fred Matovu who is also a board member.  Ms. Lillian Nakiwala Nyakana represented NABOTU Secretariat. The members facilitated discussions with students on the different approaches to reading as well as guidelines for conducting book discussions to foster understanding. The presenters used student friendly approaches such as stories, jokes and familiar examples which made the presentations very interesting to the students. The presentations were very interactive with children actively participating by asking questions and contributing ideas.

 

NABOTU donated 400 Luganda readers worth about Two million Uganda Shillings. The organizers expressed gratitude for the books and used them to conduct reading activities during the camp using the NABOTU model of Children’s Reading Tents. Participating in the ‘Ekisaakaate’ 2010 children’s camp was a great opportunity for NABOTU in scaling up its advocacy and networking programme. It is exciting to note that more people are beginning to appreciate books and embrace reading as a key skill in various aspects of life.