What's Happening?
In Lagos, Nigeria, a group of five individuals embarked on an 18-day reading marathon, aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon of reading aloud. The event, organized by the nonprofit Naija ReadFest, involved reading 79 books authored by Nigerians, with participants taking turns to read aloud continuously. The marathon was part of a campaign to promote literacy in Nigeria, a country with a literacy rate of around 63% and one of the highest numbers of children out of school globally. The attempt concluded with a total reading time of 431 hours, 31 minutes, and 25 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by a group from the Dominican Republic.
Why It's Important?
This reading marathon highlights the challenges and efforts to improve literacy in Nigeria, where poor investment and policies in the education sector have hindered access to books and educational resources. The event aimed to celebrate Nigerian literature and promote inclusive education, addressing issues like migration and finance, which are major concerns in the country. The attempt also underscores the importance of local authors and the need for better support for the literacy space, which remains underdeveloped compared to other sectors like technology.
What's Next?
The Guinness World Record is yet to confirm the new record, a process that may take weeks. The Naija ReadFest plans to submit all necessary evidence to the organization. The event has drawn attention to the need for improved literacy policies and investment in Nigeria, potentially influencing future educational initiatives and government actions. The success of this marathon could inspire similar efforts to promote literacy and education in other regions facing similar challenges.
