In an inspiring display of dedication and curiosity, 11-year-old Racheal Nafula has set a remarkable record by reading an astounding 1,178 books in just three months.
Her achievement, celebrated on Oct. 21, 2024, earned her the prestigious Mashujaa wa Kusoma Award, a recognition that celebrates young reading champions in Kenya.
The Mashujaa wa Kusoma Award is a joint initiative by Worldreader and the Kenya National Library Service (KNLS), aimed at sparking a lifelong love of books among youth across Kenya.
This year, Nafula’s dedication to reading placed her at the top, with her record-setting accomplishment also helping her accumulate a remarkable 20,680 points after completing the extensive catalog of books.
Nafula’s record-breaking achievement was celebrated at the Maktaba Kuu Building in Nairobi, where KNLS CEO Charles Nzivo commended her and highlighted the organization’s commitment to promoting literacy through initiatives like Mashujaa wa Kusoma.
“Our libraries are gateways to knowledge,” Nzivo said. “This award reflects our commitment to making books accessible to all, whether through physical branches or digital platforms like the BookSmart App.”
The initiative underscores the importance of accessibility to learning materials in nurturing the potential of young minds.
By making thousands of books available both in physical locations and through digital resources, KNLS and Worldreader are fostering a culture of reading and encouraging educational empowerment in Kenya’s youth.
Nafula’s accomplishment not only sets a new standard for young readers in Kenya but also serves as a powerful testament to the impact of these initiatives on the lives of young people.
Racheal Nafula is a pupil of Kibera School for Girls (KSG) SHOFCO and her story is an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of books and the doors they can open.
In a community where access to books can be limited, her record-breaking feat shines as a beacon of hope and aspiration for children across Kenya and beyond.
