Reading Illiteracy continues to be a prevalent issue in our society with many kids not knowing how to read and lacking basic literacy skills. California is the least Literate State in the Nation at a rate of 71.65% making it the lowest in all of the US. We noticed how many kids, adults, and parents in our society couldn’t decipher words often due to a lack of access to books, under-investment in schools, and income inequality. Over 58% of Third Graders in California are below grade level and 1 in 4 people over 15 lack skills to decipher words. With this, we came together and formed the WeRead Project and expanded to spreading literacy locally and internationally. Vrishank Peddireddi, Madhav Dhontula, and Pranavi Bhattula are three high school students attempting to combat Literacy by raising awareness about reading literacy with their project “WeRead”.
(in the photo: Madhav D, Vrishank P, Mr.McDonald, and Pranavi B.)
The three students worked alongside Cordes Elementary School principal Mr McDonald, to help raise awareness about reading literacy among 3rd and 4th graders. After conducting an educational seminar for each of the third and fourth-grade classes of Cordes Elementary School, the three worked alongside the elementary school kids to create educational posters. An estimated 134 Elementary kids took part in this educational program.
(in the photo: Pranavi B Working with kids on the poster )
The posters were displayed throughout the school, and the students were excited to see their work on display. They were also proud to know that they were helping to promote reading literacy among their peers.
“We can still do so much more”, Madhav Dhontula said.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. The podcast, which is available on Spotify, features interviews with experts in the field of literacy, as well as personal stories from people who have been affected by illiteracy.
In each episode, they interview a different specialist to Shed light on how reading affects their respective fields.
(In the photo: Vrishank P teaching underprivileged kids how to write.)
Vrishank, Madhav, and Pranavi not only Raised awareness on a local level but an international level as well. They donated Books writing utensils erasers and so much more to an underfunded orphanage in the suburbs of South India. The supplies were desperately needed and appreciated. The kids were thrilled to have new books to read and supplies to enhance their education.
The WeRead project started small but has grown tremendously over the past year. After their initial success working with Cordes Elementary School, the students expanded their outreach to other schools and community organizations. Vrishank, Madhav, and Pranavi aim to continue growing the program and empowering young people to improve literacy in their communities and globally. Though still high schoolers, their passion and leadership on this issue have already made a real impact.
