In honor of International Children’s Book Day on April 2^nd, we are thrilled to highlight how collaboration and a love for reading are transforming children’s lives. Kids Read, a partner of WYC, is committed to spreading literacy worldwide, recently providing over 300 books to the Weaver School in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. This initiative stemmed from a Leadership Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, where 37 African Youth Leaders from 10 countries gathered to discuss solutions for their communities.  

Led by Mission Advancement Advisors Tim Richardson and Mike McTernan, along with Board Member Rev. Jonathan Weaver, the conference featured sessions on leadership, education, and the Kids Read program. McTernan led a special session explaining how Kids Read benefits WYC affiliates, encouraging leaders to start reading circles or libraries at their sites. Every attendee received a selection of books, reinforcing the importance of literacy in youth development.  

The books, a generous gift from Kids Read, will help the Weaver School establish a dedicated space in their new library, serving children from kindergarten through 9^th grade. While the books were not translated, Kids Read offers titles in multiple languages, making literacy accessible to diverse communities. Affiliates interested in receiving books can contact their MAT Advisor for details. We invite you to celebrate International Children’s Book Day by supporting initiatives that foster a love for reading and open doors to brighter futures.  

To learn more about Kids Read and how you can get involved, visit https://kidsread.me/.