Global Kids’ Reading Challenge Sparks Confidence, Creativity, and Purpose

Salome Olajide-Buari, founder of Blossom in Etiquette and Manners and an English Language educator, has stressed the importance of nurturing a reading culture among children.

Her advice came as the organisation wrapped up its second annual Christmas Reading Challenge, a three-day virtual event that united young readers from Nigeria, Australia, England, Scotland, Norway, Canada, and the United States.

The programme aimed to ignite children’s love for books, build their confidence, and inspire a sense of purpose from an early age.

During guided reading sessions, participants explored Olajide-Buari’s illustrated children’s book, Lewis Brown the Carton, learning to identify their unique gifts and envision meaningful goals.

“The challenge encourages children to move from passive reading to purposeful engagement that shapes character and self-discovery,” Olajide-Buari said.

“We want them to see reading as a tool for imagination, growth, and self-awareness.”

A major highlight was the launch of 43 books by young authors from the Creative Writing and Publishing Adventure 2025 Cohort. These emerging talents were officially published after completing the course led by the BEM founder.

The programme also featured guest speakers who shared practical reading tips and inspired children to explore creative writing and storytelling.

Parents praised the initiative for encouraging intentional growth. Esther Ade advised young writers to embrace risk: “You have to take risks—you might think you’ll get a no, but you never know unless you try. Believe in God and yourself.”

Another parent emphasised persistence: “Keep writing. You don’t have to publish every book, but your consistency improves literacy and articulation.”

Blossom in Etiquette and Manners continues to empower children through reading, etiquette training, and personal development, nurturing confidence, character, and purpose.