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Expanding an individual's knowledge empowers him to become a better individual.
The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Cebu-Mactan Channel, in cooperation with OMF Literature, Hiyas Publications and the Cebu City Vice Mayor's office, believes in empowering the young generation by expanding their knowledge through reading.
Emi Rose Parcon, Read to Lead project chairperson, said ?If you empower an individual, that individual becomes a catalyst for change."
Since its conception and launching in 2007, the Read to Lead program of JCI Cebu-Mactan has been inculcating the love and passion for reading in school children.
Last month at Powerbooks in North Wing SM Cebu, Kamputhaw Elementary School, the first beneficiary of the program, received ten mobile book hangers with each mobile hanger holding 67 Hiyas books from OMF Literature.
Parcon said the ten mobile hangers were distributed to Grades one to six and four pre-school classes of Kamputhaw Elementary School.
"These mobile hangers will help develop a love for reading in children because the books we are giving them are short, informative and not intimidating,? Parcon said.
The books contain bilingual stories in Tagalog and English about parenting, anger management, health care and other interesting subjects.
The books from Hiyas Publishing, according to OMF Literature marketing manager Lynnie Neal, impart Christian values to children.
"When you read a Hiyas book, it's like you are treasure hunting. Children will find treasures of kindness, love of God, patience and other Christian values," Neal said.
Hiyas books distributed by OMF Literature "seek to achieve excellent stories and arts,? Neal added.
The books are illustrated by Filipino artists and are written by creative Filipino writers, some of whom are Palanca awardees.
The Read to Lead beneficiaries include Lahug Elementary School (ES), Banilad ES, Bagong Buhay ES, Kamputhaw ES, Hipodromo ES, Bo. Luz ES, Apas ES and Zapatera ES in Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu ES in Lapu-Lapu City.
Read to Lead is currently planning to sponsor nine public schools in Cebu City.
Each mobile hanger costs around P1,000 with 67 books from Hiyas Publishing. JCI Mactan is currently negotiating with two big companies in Cebu for sponsorship of its three-year Read to Lead program.
Those who want to sponsor the project may contact Parcon at 0922836477, 0920636617 and Jolex Lim at 09177711225. /Contributor Katrina Marie Coyoca-Diaz
