The Simonetta Lein Literacy Award For Children in Nigeria

There is a growing trend: social media influencers and public figure who use their platform to empower and better society backing important causes. Simonetta Lein, considered as one of the top social media Influencers in the world, often is a true leader for this trend. Founder of The Wishwall Foundation, Lein aims to make meaningful wishes come true . When “I read To Live Initiative” wrote her about supporting education in Nigeria, Simonetta knew she needed to step up to improve the level of literacy in Nigeria; ensuring the achievement of the United Nations sustainable development targets of Quality Education.

There is an increase in the level of illiteracy in Nigeria; this has also contributed to the numbers of children out of school in Nigeria. Over the years, these challenges continue to linger considering the societal challenge of insecurity and increased rate of unemployment in Nigeria, the responsibility to protect lives and property of theNigerian people are the responsibility of government, notwithstanding, efforts of private persons, civil societies and international interventions are also critical in addressing these societal challenge.

Simonetta Lein, through The WishWall Foundation, is creating a new hope for children in Nigeria by supporting schools in rural communities, encouraging literacy and numeracy. Being a world- renowned activist, Lein is concretely using her social media network to inspire and change the world by granting meaningful wishes that will have direct and positive impacts on the lives of people globally.

In March 2019, having being contacted by Sule Jacob- Executive Director of iRead To Live Initiative in Nigeria, a non-profit organization made up of young people passionate about education Nigeria, Lein and The Wishwall Foundation supported 100 girls in a rural community with schools bags, sandals, sanitary pads and exercise books. This kind support of Lein served as a morale booster for the girls and has thus kept them in school.

On Thursday, 6th of June 2019, Simonetta Lein in her continuous passion for inspiring and creating a new world full of hope for people, received an Honorary Literacy Award in her name ( The Simonetta Lein Literacy Awards 2019- For Children in Nigeria) in recognition of her support towards Quality and Equitable education. The award created an opportunity for students to receive prizes such as ipads, textbooks, school bags and exercise books to students with outstanding performances during the competition. During the course of the event, contestants were drawn from 45 schools which included private and public schools in Osun State, South West, Nigeria. Over 200 children participated with their teachers.

Simonetta’s efforts are quite laudable and commendable, what she is doing is appreciated and instrumental to the future of these young children in Nigeria. Moreover, she is sending a precise message to the world showing that the efforts of one’s platform can impact an entire community.