"I just hope her memory inspires greatness."
I will never forget those words. Jodi, Katie's mom, whispered them to me immediately following her seven-year-old daughter's memorial service.
Those seven simple words have been fluttering in my heart and mind ever since that day and were the wind beneath the wings of Katie's Readers, a passion project that was born to remember sweet little Katie Jonis.
Katie's Readers
Katie
Katie's Readers is a growing community of incredible youth volunteers with unbelievable purpose and passion for being the change they want to see in the world. From schools, universities and community groups worldwide, together we share a single mission of:
Scattering the love of learning around the world.
We offer programmes that encourage a dynamic way of learning by engaging children in fun activities that involve movement, communication, stories and arts & crafts. Our approach supports English language education, promotes cross-curricular learning efficiency, can be delivered locally or as part of an overseas volunteer project, and is available to anyone with a big heart and a love of learning.
Our PASS IT ON programme provides free training and support for schools, universities and community groups, including continued support through our online forum. Our volunteers are then encouraged to design and implement a Katie's Readers outreach programme that works specifically for their neighbourhood, making a difference in the world; one community, one volunteer, and one child at a time.
Nelson Mandela once said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." That is exactly the kind of greatness that Katie's Readers aims to inspire.