Pauline Sisters in Africa Move to Nurture Love for Reading in Groundbreaking Children’s Literary Event

“We will have professionals leading children through the story so that they learn to love to tell stories,” she said.

The PPA Directress stressed the urgency of revitalizing storytelling, saying, “Storytelling, and even books, are dying. How do we make these books come to life? Our main theme is Pauline’s ‘bringing books to life.’ Books are talking to us because we no longer simply reach out to them; they have something to say, they can become life.”

Sr. Nafula said the event will also allow children who might never afford a book to experience it collectively, adding that they want to ensure that a book which could have been bought by one person is read by several children.

“We are targeting the marginalized, children who cannot afford books,” she said in reference to the event that is organized on the theme, “Let the children come to me,” from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

She further told ACI Africa during the December 11 interview that the event is free of charge and is targeting children from underprivileged areas within the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), with some refugee children from Tanzania expected to attend.

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Pauline Sisters in Africa Move to Nurture Love for Reading in Groundbreaking Children’s Literary Event

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“Knowledge should not discriminate between those who have money and those who do not. Whether rich or poor, every child should have access to the same books because we believe in epistemic justice,” she said.

The event will begin with Mass followed by professionally-led performances.

Experts from the National Theatre will guide children with the performances. The event will also feature Christmas skits.

Sr. Nafula said that the children will participate in Bible quizzes, reading competitions, storytelling performances and video sessions, among other activities, for the entire day. Winners in the contests will be rewarded with Rosaries for Catholics, storybooks, and Bibles.

“One group has informed us that they will perform a traditional dance. Their performances may also reveal their needs, perhaps through skits that highlight social issues,” Sr. Nafula said.

She explained the broader purpose of the event within the context of their publishing house: “Even though we are church-oriented, creating literary events nurtures reading, provides libraries, and promotes the democratization of knowledge. Beyond selling prayer books, we aim to form the intellectual part of children, alongside their spiritual and personal development.”

 “We plan to visit children after the event to assess how reading is progressing, provide support to their animators, and address issues such as early marriages, theft, and drug abuse through targeted activities and films. This will not be a one-time event; we intend to make it annual, every December,” Sr. Nafula said.

She emphasized the importance of forming the mind alongside faith, making reference to Blessed James Alberione, their founder’s philosophy: “The idea begins in the mind. Without knowledge, one cannot discern good from bad. Truth comes through the mind, and nurturing reading is part of our charism under Jesus’ master way: truth and life.”

Despite challenges including budget constraints, security considerations, and managing large numbers, Sr. Nafula described preparations as largely smooth.

 “Contributions, even small donations, help cover costs. The lessons learned from this first event will guide future editions,” she said.

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She said that the initiative is rooted in a commitment to children’s identity and cultural awareness. “As Ngugi wa Thiong’o emphasized, we must decolonize the mind and pass on African values through books to help children discover their identity,” she said.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.