On Saturday 29th April 2017 the Yak Jones Foundation, in partnership with Project Pikin, held its inaugural Reading Competition at 232 Complex, Freetown. Contestants aged 6-10 were selected from 13 primary schools in Freetown and the books used for the competition were authored by Sierra Leoneans. They included The Ivy series by Madam Adelaide Agyemfra; The Bigest Little Brother by Aminata Jalloh; and Puppy Princess Sheba Goes to Africa, by Dr. Fatu Forna Sisay.First place in the 6-7 year old category went to Joel A.T. Gevao of The International Primary school Ltd, while Aminata Bangura of Reliance School and Jordan Afire Tamba of the Tower Hill Kindergarten and Primary School won joint second place. In the 8-9 year old category, Joanna Tucker of the International Primary School Ltd won 1st place, followed by Judrick Mahoi from the same school. 1st place in the 9 to 10 yrs category was Jeneba Mansonia Bangura of the JT Reffell Memorial French Friendship and second place went to Akin Songo-Browne of the British International Montessori School. Dr. Yakama Manty Jones, Founder of the Yak Jones Foundation stressed the need for initiatives such as the Project Pikin safe space library at 59 Robert Street, and reading competitions across the country. She also thanked all the participants, parents and well wishers for their participation and support.
