You have daughters whether you gave birth to them or not. In the village, you have daughters who need your love and support. Read to them until they can read to themselves, to each other, and to you. If you don’t have the time, send them to reading groups. If you have the time, create a reading group, or gather the older children to read to the younger ones while you lend your supervision. Let your children drink forever from the fountain of lifelong learners. Reading is the greatest gift you can give to your children.
What will I be when I grow up?
Let’s see, I could be a doctor.
I could heal and fix people up.
I could be the President of the United States when I grow up
or maybe not.
I’m free to change my mind,
as I read more and more over time.
Maybe I could be….
The person who helps those who are
homeless and in need of food.
That may not bring me fame,
but the people I help would know my name.
When I grow up, I can visit Africa
and find out who I really am.
I might be a Queen in my Homeland,
but I have to read to understand.
I’ll read and read, and my mind will grow.
Then I can share with Africa all the things that I know.
If I keep reading, I will learn how to write.
Then I can grow up to write a book
to help someone that has given up.
I think I’ll ask mama to buy me a book
or better yet, if I clean up and put away my toys,
maybe she’ll take me to the library to look.
At the library, I can read and read and read.
And I can read the books at the library for free.
If I keep reading, I know one thing for sure
–when I grow up, I can do whatever I want to.
I can read everything from the ceiling to the floor,
and reading is the key to unlock any door.