Sixth grader and head girl Soniakaye Jackson says “Reading can change many lives” and so, that has compelled her to open a Creative Book Club at her school, Ascot Primary, in Portmore, St. Catherine.

The launch took place at the school’s library on Tuesday, where several players in civic society and beyond attended and contributed books and cash.

For little Soniakaye, she opened the club to get her peers reading again and for those who don’t, to discover the joy and love of reading and exploring new worlds.

SLEEK was on location and she told us why she created the club.

The head girl then shared why she loves reading…

She’s also optimistic that the club will continue after her tenure is complete at Ascot come July, after which she goes off to high school in September.

Soniakaye’s idea of a club was heavily supported by her mother and family, who came out and donated cash, books, and refreshments.

Jamaica’s Literacy Rate 1999-2023 stands at 88.10 percent and according to the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission (JETC), earlier this year, the 2019 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam revealed that 33 percent of students cannot read or can barely do so; 56 percent of students cannot, or can barely, write; and 58 percent of students cannot, or can barely, find information on a topic.

This for some means more focus must be placed on reading from the basic and primary levels and that’s how those in attendance see Soniakaye’s initiative.

The launch was consumed with several book reading sessions and words of motivation for reading.

Associate Counseling Psychologist, Dawn Marie Petgrave encouraged and challenged the students to expand their knowledge and experiences.

She also highlighted that she started her own book club during the pandemic which has helped many.

Also, young author and student of St Catherine Preparatory School, Gianna Hylton was the guest speaker and shared how she started her reading journey and just how it helped her to have written a book titled, ‘Learn to Use Your Wings: The Power to Soar Lives Within You‘.

This creative book club is seen as a start for youngsters to develop the skill of thinking before acting – it is expected to help in the reduction of aggressive tendencies as well as to increase awareness.

SLEEK also caught up with Ascot School Principal, Mark Jackson who shared that he is extremely proud of Soniakaye as this initiative is needed at this time.

Additionally, to keep the club going, Carlong Publishers Limited, which is the largest distributor of schoolbooks and textbooks donated several books and committed to supporting the club and the school for reading competitions.

The Optimist Club of Kingston donated several books and says it’s amazed by such a ‘noble’ initiative by the head girl.

The club intends to continue its support to aid and encourage the development of youth.

Meanwhile, Soniakaye is hopeful that the students are left motivated and that other schools will create their own creative book clubs.