Starting in 2022, the Secretariat of Culture of Baja California launched the “Reading Passport” program aimed at cultivating reading habits among students. Javier Fernández Acevez, the director of Literary Promotion at the Secretariat, explains that the program was initiated to make books more accessible, as this remains a significant barrier for many in Baja California. A common dialogue among educators, writers, and reading advocates revolves around breaking these barriers, including prejudices against reading. The initiative sets a target for students to read at least five books annually and currently engages 200,000 students, documenting what they read for pleasure rather than obligation.
The program has identified popular reading choices among students, including “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, “Little Red Riding Hood” by Charles Perrault, “Letter to His Father” by Franz Kafka, “De Noche Vienes” by Elena Poniatowska, and “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman. These selections encompass fantasy worlds, literary classics, love stories, short narratives, and Kafka’s complexity. The Reading Passport encourages diverse reading, not prescribed literature, fostering a genuine love for reading without the burden of mandatory books.
Efforts extend to areas with limited access to books. From October 15 to 31, the “Libro Bus” traveled across Baja California and Baja California Sur, visiting 28 vulnerable communities to distribute affordable, high-quality books, including local authors’ works. This initiative forms part of the “Letras Peninsulares” program, which aims to reach isolated regions annually.
### Secondary Article: Encouraging Reading in Schools
In addition to the “Reading Passport,” Baja California’s educational institutions are focusing on creating a reading-friendly environment. Teachers are encouraged to discuss and suggest diverse literary genres to capture students’ interests. Workshops and reading clubs are proliferating, providing platforms for students to engage with literature in a social context. Simultaneously, the use of digital technologies in schools has facilitated access to e-books, allowing students to explore literature beyond physical books.
Efforts are supported by events like book fairs and literary festivals that not only promote reading among young people but also celebrate local and international authors. These initiatives aim to demystify literature, making it a more inclusive and enjoyable pursuit for everyone, from young readers to seasoned literary enthusiasts.
By bridging the gap between students and literature, these efforts hope to cultivate a new generation of passionate readers capable of finding pleasure and knowledge in books, irrespective of the form they take.