PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Global Reading Program Promotes U.S.- Nigeria Educational Partnership

Date:October 26, 2009
Venue: Abuja

Ambassador Robin Sanders (center), receives a copy of Copper Sun from author Sharon Draper on October 26 in Abuja. Left is RAC Cordinator Margo Ochoa | FULL SIZE

New York Times bestselling author Sharon Draper on October 26, presented an autographed copy of her book Copper Sun to the U.S. Mission as part of a cross-cultural reading program called Reading Across Continents.  U.S. Ambassador Robin Sanders and ten U.S. high school students who are spending three weeks in Nigeria with students of Loyola Jesuit participated in the book presentation.

Reading Across Continents is a cross-cultural reading program that promotes a reading culture and builds mutual understanding among American, Nigerian, and Ghanaian youths.

In remarks before making her presentation to the U.S. Mission Cultural Affairs Officer Ed Flynn, Sharon Draper encouraged the students to learn from the positive traits demonstrated by the lead character of Copper Sun.

Reading Across Continents exposes participating students to the historical, political and social factors that influence and enhance the understanding of selected novels. Students are expected to have read three novels each set in one of their countries. A central part of the program is to develop literacy leaders who are selected from each national group. It also aims to achieve two objectives – stimulate interest in reading and to stimulate interest in culture among students.

This year’s program features the novels of three renowned authors - NY Times Best Selling Author Sharon Draper, internationally acclaimed Nigerian author Chinua Achebe and award winning Ghanaian author Professor Ama Ata Aidoo.

Reading Across Continents is fully funded and sponsored by United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, while the International Reading Association (IRA), a non-governmental organization organizes the program.