08/09/2026
OLD BOOKS FOR NEW EYES@: LITERACY, INSPIRATION AND A CALL TO ACTION
Today the 8th September 2026, Leo District 413, in conjunction with Thrive Aid, commemorated World Literacy Day at Chinika Secondary School under the theme “Old Books for New Eyes.”
The celebration brought together learners, teachers, Leo leaders, authors, corporate partners and other stakeholders who shared one common purpose: to promote a culture of reading and remind young people of the power of knowledge.
The theme, “Old Books for New Eyes,” carried a simple but powerful message. A book may have been written years ago or read by many people before, but its knowledge does not grow old. In the hands of a new reader, it can inspire a new dream, shape a new mind and perhaps even change a life.
The programme began with opening remarks from the Headteacher of Chinika Secondary School, who welcomed the visiting stakeholders and gave a brief history of the institution. He shared that Chinika Secondary School has been in existence since the period of the Second World War, highlighting the school's long-standing contribution to educating generations of learners.
He expressed his appreciation to the various stakeholders who had come together to support the school, particularly UBA, Thrive Aid and Lions Clubs International, recognising the importance of partnerships in strengthening education and supporting learners.
The District speech was delivered by Mubanga Mwape, who spoke on the importance of coming together as stakeholders to make a meaningful contribution to education and the community. The message reinforced the role of service organisations such as Leo Clubs in identifying community needs and responding through practical and meaningful initiatives.
The DCC followed with opening and encouraging remarks, challenging the pupils to develop a stronger culture of reading. Rather than seeing reading as something done only for examinations, she encouraged the school to make it more engaging through activities such as reading competitions, recognising pupils who read the most books and spelling competitions.
She explained that such initiatives could motivate learners to read more, improve their language skills and ultimately produce more knowledgeable and confident pupils.
Thrive Aid CEO, Melody, then shared an educative message, introducing the organisation's three thematic areas: Mental Health, Education and Entrepreneurship. Her message demonstrated how education connects with other aspects of young people's development. Beyond academic success, learners need knowledge, confidence and the ability to identify opportunities and create solutions.
The celebration therefore became more than a discussion about books—it became a conversation about building well-rounded young people who can contribute positively to society.
The UBA Branch Manager also spoke in alignment with the education theme, encouraging the pupils to embrace a culture of reading and understanding. She emphasised that reading plays an important role in shaping the minds of the future leaders seated before her.
The pupils were encouraged to make full use of their school library, seeing it not merely as a room filled with books, but as a place where knowledge, imagination and opportunities can be discovered. She also encouraged unity and equal participation, reminding the learners that every individual has a role to play in creating a better future.
One of the day's inspiring moments came from Elena, an invited author, who shared her personal journey into the publishing industry. She spoke about how her dream of becoming an author was born from something very simple: reading.
Her journey demonstrated to the learners that the books they read today can influence the dreams they pursue tomorrow. She challenged the pupils to read and write, encouraging them to make good use of the library and to allow the books around them to fuel their imagination.
Her story showed that sometimes, a dream begins quietly—with a book, a curious mind and a willingness to learn.
The learners were then inspired by Mr Bwalya, author of Who Will Lead Us. He spoke openly about his background, explaining that he came from a community school and had witnessed the challenges of depending heavily on foreign aid.
Instead of simply waiting for someone else to change his community, he decided to take action and become part of the change he wanted to see. He challenged the pupils not to allow their backgrounds to define their futures.
His message was clear: we should not always wait for someone to come and help us. Sometimes, we must be willing to act ourselves.
He further emphasised that when individuals come together and contribute their efforts, those individual efforts can create meaningful change within a community. He reminded the learners that every possibility begins in the mind—what we first believe is possible in our minds can eventually become possible in reality.
With books being placed in the hands of the learners, Mr Bwalya also challenged them to take care of the wonderful gifts they had received, protect their books and library, and take responsibility for their environment.
Leo Maybin added his voice of encouragement, urging the pupils to take care of the library and make a meaningful difference in their school. He emphasised an important lesson from the day's celebration: words should be translated into action and should not remain mere words.
It is easy to speak about change. It is much more powerful to act on it.
The programme also gave the learners an opportunity to speak. Savior, a learner at Chinika Secondary School, delivered an appreciation speech on behalf of the pupils. He expressed gratitude to the clubs, organisations and stakeholders who had taken the time to visit their school and invest in their education.
But beyond expressing appreciation, Savior made a heartfelt request. He encouraged the participating clubs not to stop with this one visit. He urged them to continue serving the community, keep coming back to the school and find more ways to support and inspire learners.
His words were a reminder that true service is not defined by one activity, but by consistency and the willingness to continue making a difference.
The celebration concluded with a closing speech from Leo Maybin, who brought together many of the day's messages. He emphasised that knowledge is only power when action is taken to apply that knowledge in real life.
Reading a book is important. Learning something new is important. Gaining knowledge is important. But the real transformation happens when what we learn becomes something we practise, share and use to solve problems.
The message challenged the learners to leave the celebration not only excited about the books they had received, but determined to use the knowledge they gain to improve themselves, their school and their communities.
As the World Literacy Day celebration came to an end, the theme “Old Books for New Eyes” felt more meaningful than ever.
The books may have been old, but the eyes reading them were new.
The stories may have been written years ago, but the dreams they inspire can belong to tomorrow.
A book can introduce a learner to a new world. A new idea can change the way someone thinks. A changed mind can inspire action. And individual actions, when brought together, can transform a community.
The day at Chinika Secondary School was therefore more than a commemoration of World Literacy Day. It was a call to read, to learn, to dream and to act.
Because literacy is not simply about knowing how to read. It is about having the knowledge and courage to use what we read to create a better future.
Old books. New eyes. New knowledge. New dreams. New leaders.
Read today. Learn today. Act today. Lead tomorrow.
District 413 Aid
, we inspire literacy. Together, we build a better tomorrow.
