Our ambassador, Roudah Mahjoub, provided a unique blend of knowledge and enjoyment at the ‘Reading is a Joy and Culture Club’ in Tunis. She established the club through her work in several middle schools. The club’s members range in age from 12 to 15, and its goal is to encourage children to read for pleasure. During her recent visit to Tunis, Dr. Rana got to know Roudah and discovered the most prominent reading activities she engages in.”
Roudah enthusiastically told us about her club: initially, I asked the kids to read so that I could see how capable each one was.
And when I gave them an opportunity to gently correct each other’s errors, they began to ask questions regarding the books. Furthermore, we hold reading competitions where the committee selects the top child reader through voting.
“Alongside reading, Roudah organizes entertainment activities and interactive games for the children, such as Scrabble, knitting, chess, cooking, hairdressing, embroidery, playing music, and acting. She also provides them with various gifts each time, such as magazines, games, and coloring pencils. Due to her keenness to create a positive environment for the children, she invites them to have lunch together after each session.”
Roudah points out:” I have 44 children in the club; it’s a great, cultural environment. The children in our club gained teamwork skills, as well as proactive, tolerant, social, and cultural knowledge. I’m incredibly proud of my children”.
Rawda told us last year about the effect the “Reading is Joy and Culture” club had on children who struggled with reading. “The kids select the book, and then they are encouraged to read it aloud, and Since we read books in the club in a variety of languages, including French, English, and Arabic, I’ve found that this approach works incredibly well to help children with their pronunciation and spelling. Children with dyslexia were assisted during the hour-long reading session by playing several games that were created specially to help them learn more effectively.
As a result, many children improved their reading and writing skills. While some were initially shy when they started attending the club sessions, they later blossomed into wonderful speakers. Additionally, some even became proficient in the art of acting.”