Book Board holds World Read Aloud Day

THE NATIONAL Book Development Board (NBDB) is partnering with LitWorld, a literacy organization based in New York City, to present World Read Aloud Day.

Litworld has designated March 7 the official World Read Aloud Day to encourage participants to participate in a global movement to advocate for every child’s right to literacy, safe education, and access to books and technology.

This year, the Philippines is officially joining the celebration for the first time. In collabora- tion with the NBDB and Vibal Publishing House, the official World Read Aloud Day event in the Philippines will take place at the National Library in Manila.

Litworld is a nonprofit organization led by founder and executive director Pam Allyn. Its mission is to cultivate literacy leaders worldwide through transformational literacy experiences that build connection, understanding, resilience and strength. Litworld works with teachers, parents, community members and children to develop sustainable reading and writing practices to engage the world’s most vulnerable communities in the redemptive power of story.

This year, Litworld sent a LitCorps Ambassador overseas for the first time. Ruby Veridiano, a Filipina-american, has chosen to do focused literacy work for the youth of the Philippines, setting up the Litworld’s LitClubs program for Filipino students, which aim to empower young people through reading and writing.

Verdiano will be at the National Library on March 7 to help host an international Read Aloud via Skype video-conference.

“The Philippines is my home country, so it holds a very special place in my heart. I am honored to give Filipino students an opportunity to connect with students on an international level, as it gives them the ability to expand their horizons. When their words reach across hemispheres, students not only bond through the love of learning, but through the spirit of unity,” says Ruby Veridiano.

For more information, see the World Read Aloud Day blog here: http://www.litworld.org/worldreadalouddayblog. Also: www.facebook.com/litworld, www.twitter.com/litworldsays.