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Library Guest Reader Initiative Builds Community


Our Parents Association Committee on Community and Inclusion does so much each year to nurture the strong sense of community among families. This year, with the pandemic restricting access to our school, they have devised an innovative way for our new families to get involved, while at the same time helping to broaden our boys' knowledge of other cultures and traditions. 

Yesterday, Kindergarten Mom Mojoyin Onijala, launched COCI's Guest Reader/Library Initiative. Kindergarten and Omega parents are invited to read a book during their son's library period that ties to their family's heritage. Ms. Onijala virtually visited her son's class to read aloud "Femi The Fox" by Jeanette Kwakye, a book which reflects Nigerian culture. While Ms. Onijala read, our Lower School Librarian Gretchen King showed the boys a physical copy of the book, turning the pages in sync with Ms. Onijala's reading.

The boys were captivated by the story of the very hungry fox's hunt for jollof rice and the lesson he learns along the way. During the session, boys discovered that Femi means "God Loves Me" in Yoruba. Throughout the reading, Ms. Onijala engaged the boys with questions and discussion of cultural traditions, including the recipe for jollof rice.

Our thanks to COCI Committee Co-Chairs Maria Suarez and Kavita Dolan for developing this program and to Ms. Onijala for launching it!

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