A chorus of 300,000 young readers rent the air in Kenya as students unite to break records and raise awareness of climate change.
More than 300,000 young voices echoed across over 3,000 schools in Kenya, all reading aloud in unison in a historic attempt to break the world record for the most people reading aloud from the exact text simultaneously.
From 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 12, learners from various regions participated in this ambitious endeavour. They aimed to surpass the current record held by the United States, which stands at 223,363 participants in 909 venues.
2015, Kenya unofficially broke this record, with 229,034 children reading simultaneously across 1,097 schools. This year, the goal was to officially document and break the record, showcasing a united front in promoting literacy and climate action.
This monumental read-aloud chose a passage from “Kijiji Cha Ukame,” a Kiswahili book by Dr. Hamisi Babusa. The narrative, focusing on community resilience and environmental restoration themes, was selected for its relevance to climate change and its potential to inspire young readers.
“We aimed to harness the transformative power of reading to amplify the voices of African children in the fight against climate change,” said Evelyne Mwandia, Executive Director of Start A Library Trust (SAL).
Start A Library Trust has been instrumental in promoting literacy and lifelong learning through the National Read Aloud, a flagship program designed to cultivate a love of reading among children aged 9-14 and highlight their potential as change agents.
“This is not just about setting a new record; it’s about creating a legacy of informed, proactive youth,” Mwandia added, emphasising the broader impact of the initiative.
The effort also highlighted the role of diverse sectors in supporting literacy and environmental consciousness. The widespread involvement of government officials, educational organizations, NGOs, and corporations underscored the collective effort needed to tackle climate change.
“The captivating stories sparked awareness and empowered a generation of young climate change ambassadors,” noted Damaris Kakui, Campaign Manager at SAL.
This record-breaking attempt follows another keenly followed African achievement, when, last year, Nigerian chef Hilda Effiong Bassey, known as Hilda Baci, set the world record for the longest individual cooking marathon.
Baci cooked for an incredible 100 hours, although Guinness World Records recorded her official time as 93 hours and 11 minutes due to an error in rest breaks. Despite the adjustment, her feat of preparing over 100 pots of food for large groups remains impressive and inspiring.
In Kenya, participants from various schools and regions gathered at selected anchor schools, including Mbagathi Primary School in Nairobi, Umoja 1 Primary School in Umoja estate, Menengai Integrated Primary School in Nakuru, and Kilimani Primary School in Kilimani. Others are Langata Road Primary School in Langata estate, Muguga Green Primary School along Waiyaki Way, and Sacred Heart Comprehensive School in Mvita, Mombasa.
Media partners and sponsors were on hand to support and document this historic event, ensuring its success and the accurate verification of participation numbers.
The initiative sought to go beyond mere record-breaking and inspire and educate young minds about the pressing issue of climate change.
“This is about more than just a record; it’s about making a lasting impact,” said Mwandia. By engaging children in a collective reading effort, the initiative hoped to foster a deep love for reading while raising awareness about environmental issues.
The choice of “Kijiji Cha Ukame” was particularly apt, as it illustrated the tangible impacts of climate change and the importance of community action in mitigating these effects.
Credit: Seth Onyango, Bird Story Agency