On the morning of March 12th, classrooms across the country fell silent for two hours to participate in the National D.E.A.R Day, an acronym for “Drop Everything And Read.” DEAR Day is a national initiative designed to foster a lifelong love for learning and strengthen the reading culture among children in Uganda.
For enjuba, this day represents a vital opportunity to shine a light on the importance of foundational literacy. By encouraging schools and communities to dedicate specific time to books, the initiative helps bridge the gap in literacy development, ensuring that every child has the chance to see the world differently through the power of words.
A Diverse Range of Literacy Activities
This year’s celebrations were characterised by a variety of engaging program items designed to meet learners at their specific developmental stages. Schools implemented several core strategies to make reading both accessible and enjoyable:
Silent Reading: Learners took time to engage deeply with texts of their choice, practicing independent comprehension.
Read Alouds & Buddy Reading: Teachers and "buddies" shared stories orally, a method proven to improve pronunciation and listening skills.
Creative Expression: Beyond just reading, schools like Parental Care Primary School in Bushenyi integrated poster-making, spelling competitions, and group discussions to deepen the impact.
Community Engagement: In several districts, the school’s Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) teams performed presentations that highlighted why literacy matters to the future of the community.
Impact Across the Districts
The 2026 report highlights significant participation across diverse regions, from the rural heartlands of Mayuge to the bustling centers of Wakiso and Kampala.
In Mayuge District, teacher coaches like Sharon and Patrick led sessions at Busuyi Primary and God’s Glory Junior School, reaching hundreds of pupils through Read Aloud and Buddy Reading sessions. Meanwhile, in Wakiso, J-Neric Kindergarten and Junior School saw 156 learners engage in group and silent reading, supported by a dedicated team of 13 teachers.
The Road Ahead
The success of National D.E.A.R Day is a testament to the dedication of teachers, coordinators, and community members who act as "Teacher Coaches" to mentor the next generation of readers. At enjuba, we believe that celebrating literacy is not just a one-day event but a continuous journey toward empowerment.
By providing children with the tools to read and the space to imagine, we are building a foundation for a more informed, creative, and resilient Uganda. As we look back on the success of this year’s "Drop Everything and Read" campaign, our commitment remains firm: ensuring every child has a book in their hand and a story in their heart.