Operation Literacy shares joy of reading with kids

Since 2011, Operation Literacy has been sharing the joy of reading and writing. Jennifer Jenkins was one of the originals who helped create Operation Literacy. She now serves as the group’s CEO. She said, “If there was ever a time to invest in the next generation this is it where literacy is concerned.”

Teaching kids to express themselves through the written word has always been a goal for Operation Literacy, but since the Covid-19 pandemic, that goal has expanded.

Jenkins said, “A cancer has been going with our budding readers and the need for intervention there.”

As a drop in numbers of young students who can read proficiently continues, Operation Literacy’s mission has grown to fill in the gaps.

Jenkins continued, “61% of children in high poverty areas do not have a single age-appropriate book in their home.”

Operation Literacy wants to fix that! One way they are doing that is by getting books into homes. They do this through their Book Drops. Jenkins said, “Yes we do pass out books, we have almost passed out 40 thousand books, but we also bring with us a bestselling author.”

They take an acclaimed published author to a school for an assembly, and then they pass out books to the students.

This is incredible in many ways, but Jenkins explained “It inspires them to dream and see what is possible for them.”

The work does not end there. Operation Literacy holds writing contests throughout the year and StoryCon in February. This two-day event brings professionals in film, music and writing together to teach Utah’s teens. The goal is to create capable readers and writers.

Jenkins concluded, “When children are given this face time with these professionals, it gets them to wonder what is possible and change the way they see themselves as readers.”

If you want to learn more about Operation Literacy and to help their cause visit their website HERE.