Okocha sisters launch initiative to encourage writing, reading among kids

The Okocha sisters, 17 year-old Renee and Zara , 12, both young authors living in London have formed a non-governmental organization in Nigeria called ‘I Am The Future Of Nigeria’ to inspire Nigerian youth at home and in the Diaspora to work towards a better country.

One of the group’s goals is inspiring out-of-school children to return to their studies.

In this regard, their first project, ‘Book a Shelf Initiative’ seeks to provide many self-written books in the bookshelves of school libraries, classrooms and communities across the country.

Mentored by their former teacher, Mr. Justin Malewezi, at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Essex London, and in partnership with Digital Kids Club, London, that has helped to illustrate their writings, four books have been published namely: ‘The Gift of Education’ and ‘I Like Me’ (written by Renée), ‘The Girl Warrior’ and ‘Unity’ (written by Zara).

They intend to encourage many children around the world to write their stories and become published young authors as well as embrace the culture of reading at a young age.

Sponsored by the Jay-Jay Okocha Foundation, they recently visited some Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja where they donated hundreds of their books and other materials to the kids to encourage literacy.

The girls are partnering with their uncle’s foundation to impact on many kids through football and education.