The Sisters Read Program aims to cultivate a love for reading among young students in Tharaka North Sub-county by providing essential reading materials and support tools. Established in response to a 2016 survey by Tharaka Women’s Welfare Program (TWWP), which highlighted a severe lack of reading resources in local schools, the program has since made significant strides in addressing this gap. With over 13,000 books and 1,500 eco-friendly solar lanterns distributed to 40 primary schools by August 2020, the program has played a crucial role in fostering a reading culture among children in the community.

​

The core objective of the Sisters Read Program is to spark an early interest in reading, which is vital for the intellectual and emotional development of children. By providing diverse reading materials such as storybooks and educational texts, the program aims to engage students' imaginations and enhance their learning experiences. The addition of solar lanterns addresses another critical need: the ability to study at night. These lanterns offer a reliable source of light, enabling children to continue their studies after dark, thus overcoming a significant barrier to education in areas with limited electricity.

​

Looking ahead, the long-term vision of the Sisters Read Program is to establish a community library that serves as a hub of knowledge and learning for young people. This library will not only house an extensive collection of books but also provide a supportive environment for students to explore and expand their knowledge. By creating a space dedicated to learning, the program seeks to nurture a lifelong love for reading and learning within the community.

​

In summary, the Sisters Read Program is more than just a book distribution initiative; it is a transformative effort to build a reading culture, enhance educational opportunities, and ultimately, empower the youth of Tharaka North Sub-county. Through its ongoing efforts and future aspirations, the program is setting the foundation for a brighter, more informed future for the next generation.