Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA), Zeta Eta Omega Chapter, kicked off summer’s Reading is FUNdamental (RIF) program on Monday morning at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center.

RIF is a program that aims to promote literacy by encouraging children to make a habit of daily reading and writing.

Nancy Sewell, RIF Coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative at Monday morning’s program.

“I’m excited as always and delighted to bring Reading is FUNdamental to our kids in Selma,” said Sewell. “We’re going to various sites and we hope that parents will bring their children out and get them book to read and that they will encourage their children to read.”

Sewell repeatedly stressed the importance of reading throughout the program.

“That [reading] is so important,” she said. “That [reading] is key.”

Monday’s program provided a variety of fun for the children in attendance.

The program featured storytelling, singalongs, book sharing and an appearance by children’s book characters Clifford the Big Red Dog, Franklin the Turtle and Curious George.

AKA will be holding similar events throughout the Selma – Dallas County area until June 26.

RIF continues tomorrow at Rangedale Neighborhood Center at 11 a.m. and then at Wallace Community College – Selma at 3 p.m.

On Wednesday, June 19, RIF will be held at Orrville Town Hall and at the Y.M.C.A. at 10 a.m.

On Thursday, June 20, RIF will be held at the PAL Center at 11 a.m.

On Friday, June 21, RIF will be held at Felix Heights Nutritional Center at 11 a.m.

Next week, beginning Monday, June 24, RIF will be held at East Selma Nutritional Center at 11 a.m.

Next Tuesday, June 25, will be held at Valley Creek Nutritional Feeding Center and at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

The last day of RIF will be held at R.C. Hatch Nutritional Feeding Center at 11 a.m.