Celebrating 25 Years of Community and Passion: Lire et Faire Lire’s Journey of Literacy and Connection

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October 10, 2025

Volunteers Ignite a Passion for Reading in France’s lot-et-Garonne

The Boé Reading Festival will mark a quarter-century of the Lire et Faire Lire Association.

Boé, France – As October 11, 2025, approaches, the Lire et Faire Lire association prepares to commemorate its 25th anniversary. the national movement is demonstrating remarkable vitality, particularly within the Lot-et-Garonne department. According to Gaël Denis, the departmental coordinator for the Education league, the growing number of over 90 volunteers reflects the organization’s deep roots in the community.

Intergenerational Connections Through Storytelling

The core principle of Lire et Faire Lire remains unchanged as its inception. Volunteers, all aged 50 and over, dedicate thier time to reading stories to children in various settings, including schools, nurseries, and libraries. Bernadette Rouch-Estibal, a devoted reader for the past seventeen years, shared her experience. She recalled that Nicole Laustriat initially launched the initiative in the Agenais region, and she joined as soon as she qualified at age 48.

“It’s a very nice experience,” Rouch-Estibal stated. “it’s especially rewarding on an intergenerational level. we, as readers, are all retirees engaging with children from nursery through fifth grade.”

Fostering a Lifelong Love of Reading

The organization prioritizes fostering a genuine joy of reading. Unlike classroom settings where reading often serves an educational purpose, Lire et Faire Lire focuses solely on sparking a child’s creativity and nurturing a desire to read independently. According to the association representatives, they partner with local library and media center teams who carefully curate books suitable for different age groups, and provide training to new volunteers with the help of professional storytellers.

Did You Know? A 2023 study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that individuals who read for pleasure regularly demonstrate higher levels of creativity and critical thinking skills.

Celebration at the Boé Reading Festival

The 25th-anniversary milestone will be celebrated at the Boé Reading Festival, taking place on Saturday, October 11th, and Sunday, October 12th, at the François-Mitterrand cultural space. This event will be a testament to the organization’s enduring impact on literacy and community engagement.

Pro Tip: Encourage children to choose books that genuinely interest them. Allowing them to select their own reading material can substantially boost their enthusiasm and comprehension.

the Importance of Intergenerational Programs

Programs like Lire et Faire Lire highlight the notable benefits of intergenerational connections. Research consistently demonstrates that interactions between older adults and children can enhance cognitive function in seniors, reduce ageism, and provide valuable mentorship opportunities for youth.

Benefit	For Seniors	For Children
cognitive Stimulation	Improved memory and mental agility	Enhanced learning and problem-solving skills
Social Connection	Reduced loneliness and isolation	Increased social-emotional development
Mentorship	Sense of purpose and fulfillment	Positive role models and guidance

Frequently Asked Questions About Lire et Faire Lire

• What is the primary goal of Lire et Faire Lire? To foster a love of reading in children by providing enjoyable reading experiences.
• Who can become a volunteer for Lire et Faire Lire? Individuals aged 50 and over who are passionate about reading.
• Where do Lire et Faire Lire volunteers read to children? In schools, nurseries, libraries, and other community settings.
• How does the association ensure quality reading experiences? By partnering with libraries and providing training for volunteers.
• What is the impact of intergenerational programs like this? They offer benefits to both older adults and children, including cognitive stimulation and social connection.

What role do you think volunteer programs play in promoting literacy? How can communities better support initiatives like Lire et Faire Lire?

How did the founding principles of Lire et Faire Lire address the specific challenges of socioeconomic disparities in access to literacy?

The Genesis of a Movement: Founding Principles & Early Years (2000-2005)

Lire et Faire Lire (Read and Make Read), launched in France in 2000, wasn’t simply another literacy program. It was a deliberate attempt to weave reading into the fabric of community life,particularly for children facing socioeconomic challenges. The core concept – training volunteers to become “reading relays” – proved revolutionary. Thes relays,drawn from diverse backgrounds,weren’t necessarily teachers; they were individuals passionate about sharing the joy of reading.

Early initiatives focused on establishing reading sessions in community centers, hospitals, and even prisons. The initial goal was to combat illiteracy and foster a love of books in environments were access to literature was limited. Key early successes included:

* Establishing partnerships with local libraries to provide a consistent supply of books.

* Developing a training curriculum for volunteers focused on engaging storytelling techniques.

* Targeting vulnerable populations – children in foster care, refugees, and those from low-income families.

Expanding the Reach: National Growth & Program Diversification (2005-2015)

The first five years demonstrated the program’s effectiveness, leading to rapid national expansion. Lire et Faire Lire moved beyond its initial focus, recognizing the broader benefits of shared reading experiences. This period saw the introduction of several key program components:

* “Mallettes de Lecture” (Reading Kits): the creation of themed reading kits containing books, games, and activities designed to stimulate discussion and creativity. These kits became a cornerstone of the program, offering volunteers a readily available resource.

* Hospital Programs: Expanding reading sessions within pediatric wards, providing a comforting and stimulating distraction for young patients. studies showed a positive correlation between regular reading and reduced anxiety in hospitalized children.

* Prison Literacy: Programs within correctional facilities aimed at improving literacy rates among inmates and fostering rehabilitation. This initiative highlighted the transformative power of reading for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.

* Early Childhood Literacy: Recognizing the critical importance of early exposure to books,Lire et Faire Lire developed programs specifically tailored for babies and toddlers,focusing on parent-child interaction and language development. Early literacy skills are foundational for future academic success.

Lire et Faire Lire in the 21st Century: Adapting to New Challenges (2015-2025)

The last decade has seen Lire et Faire Lire adapt to a changing landscape, embracing digital technologies and addressing new societal challenges. The rise of digital media presented both an possibility and a threat.

* Digital Literacy Initiatives: Integrating digital storytelling and e-books into reading sessions, acknowledging the increasing prevalence of technology in children’s lives. This included training volunteers on how to effectively use digital resources.

* Combating Social Isolation: Expanding programs to reach isolated seniors and individuals with disabilities,recognizing the social benefits of shared reading experiences. Social inclusion became a central theme.

* Refugee Support: Providing literacy support to newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers, helping them integrate into French society and access educational opportunities. This often involved bilingual reading sessions and culturally relevant literature.

* Focus on Dyslexia & Learning Differences: Training volunteers to recognize and support children with dyslexia and other learning differences, ensuring that all children have access to quality literacy support. Inclusive literacy practices were prioritized.

The Volunteer Network: The Heart of Lire et Faire Lire

The success of Lire et Faire Lire hinges on its dedicated network of volunteers. Currently, over 20,000 volunteers contribute their time and passion to the program each year.

* Volunteer Training: Comprehensive training programs equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead engaging and effective reading sessions.

* Ongoing Support: Regular workshops,mentoring opportunities,and a dedicated support network ensure that volunteers feel valued and empowered.

* Diversity of Volunteers: The program actively recruits volunteers from diverse backgrounds,reflecting the communities it serves.

* Impact of Volunteers: Volunteers report notable personal fulfillment from their involvement, citing the joy of sharing their love of reading and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Measuring Impact: literacy Statistics & Social Outcomes

Lire et Faire Lire has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of literacy rates and social impact.

* Improved Reading Comprehension: Studies have shown that children who participate in Lire et Faire Lire programs demonstrate significant improvements in reading comprehension skills.

* Increased School Engagement: Regular reading sessions foster a love of learning and encourage children to become more engaged in their education.

* Reduced Social Isolation: Shared reading experiences create a sense of community and belonging, reducing social isolation and promoting mental well-being.

* Enhanced Family Literacy: Programs that involve parents and caregivers promote family literacy and create a supportive home learning habitat. family reading is a key component.