The African Readers Conference (ARC) is an annual event that gathers individuals and organizations from across Africa who share a vision of promoting a strong reading culture, especially among the continent’s young population. The conference, first held in 2021, takes place each year in September, coinciding with the International Literacy Month . Its mission is to ignite a renaissance of consciousness regarding Africa’s contribution to the literary world.
However, this year’s conference organized by Read Us Africa led by their vibrant and enthusiastic CEO Ms Rachael Agatha Akullu , is set to take place on September 30, 2023, at Hive Colab in Kamwokya. The event is to run from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM under the theme “Reshaping the Literacy Agenda for Inclusion, Financing, and Digitalization. “ Key partners and sponsors making this event possible are : Hipipo,Sumz Snacks,Yali Regional Leadership Center– Nairobi East Africa ( Uganda Alumni) ,Izere Foundation ,Sarafinah Foundation,ESI , Signs For All among others.
What is African Readers Conference All About?
ARC is more than just a conference; it’s a platform for fostering stable synergies among governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. It seeks to maximize digital spaces to promote reading and writing as genuine interests rather than mere obligations. This effort aims to create a digitally conscious population in Africa, empowered with knowledge and skills to harness the benefits of the digital age.
The conference offers a diverse range of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, writing competitions, workshops, and reviews. These activities are designed to inspire and engage participants in the world of literature and digital knowledge. Notably, the ARC is free to attend, but participants are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation.
Student Program: Insights into the Future
A special feature of the ARC is the Student Program, where selected students participate in panel discussions, performances, and poetry readings. This year’s topic, “Student Perspectives on the Role of Technology in Improving Reading and Writing Skills,” promises to spark insightful conversations. With a focus on gender balance, the program aims to select three girls and three boys from each school, offering a platform for young voices to be heard.
Which Popular Figures are Attending ARC 2023?
Mr. Julius Ocwinyo, a bestselling author and prominent figure in the literary world, is set to deliver a keynote speech. The chief guest, Mr. Innocent Kawooya, CEO of HiPipo, brings a wealth of experience in digital financial services and innovation. These individuals add depth and expertise to the conference.
In addition, Ms Priscilla Regina Nalwoga , a news anchor from one of Uganda’s leading television stations, NTV Uganda will give a speech as a Guest Speaker. This seeks not only to foster inclusion and gender equality among the speakers but to inspire the young girls who will attend the conference too.
How Schools participated in the African Readers Conference Writing competition
ARC’23 welcomes a diverse range of schools from across Uganda. Some schools have confirmed their participation, representing a mix of urban and rural areas. This inclusivity underscores the conference’s commitment to reaching students from various backgrounds and regions.
In addition to the conference, ARC runs an essay writing competition. The competition aims to harness the creative writing skills of high school students and encourages them to contribute to discussions on Pan Africanism in the digital age. By addressing key issues facing the African continent, these young minds are empowered to shape the future.
This year’s ARC Writing Competition 2023 began way back in May and the winning schools from various regions of Uganda where announced on August 25 , 2023. The categories included Poetry, Story and Essay Writing. The winners will be awarded during the conference on Saturday 30 2023.