About WWKIDS Peer Reading
WWKIDS Peer Reading is a transformative initiative that nurtures a love for reading and strengthens literacy skills among children.
Reading aloud is one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s language and cognitive development. It helps expand vocabulary, deepen comprehension, and build imagination, empathy, and confidence—all essential foundations for lifelong learning.
Through WWKIDS Peer Reading, children experience reading in an interactive and supportive environment that makes learning both meaningful and enjoyable.
Together, we are shaping confident, capable, and compassionate young readers—empowering them with the skills and self-belief to thrive in school and beyond.
Launched in February 2022, the program has grown through the dedication of young volunteers who share their time and voices to make a difference. We proudly recognize our past peer readers from New York City, Florida, and Jamaica—Bijan N., Robert G., Carolina M., ToriLee C., Russell G., and Justin W.—for their outstanding commitment and contribution to this meaningful work.
We continue to welcome new volunteers, schools, and partners who share our passion for literacy and youth empowerment. Together, we can inspire the next generation of readers and create lasting change through the power of books.
WWKIDS Peer Reading with John Frehse
John Frehse, peer reader since September 2023. In 2024, John Frehse expanded his impact by launching the WWKIDS Read Aloud Club at his New York high school, inspiring classmates to volunteer for weekly Wednesday reading sessions on Zoom. Together with his classmate Leo Poggi, who serves as Co-Coordinator of the WWKIDS Peer Reading Program, John and Leo continue to exemplify youth leadership and the spirit of global collaboration—connecting students across borders through the shared joy of reading.
John facilitates weekly online read-aloud sessions that engage more than 40 students from three schools in both urban and rural communities across Jamaica. These interactive sessions foster literacy development, build confidence, and encourage a lifelong love of reading among children who participate.
Beyond leading the reading sessions, John plays an active role in coordinating tablet drives and donations, ensuring students have access to the technology needed for learning.
Students earn community service hours.
About WWKIDS Peer Reading
WWKIDS Peer Reading is a transformative initiative that nurtures a love for reading and strengthens literacy skills among children.
Reading aloud is one of the most powerful ways to support a child’s language and cognitive development. It helps expand vocabulary, deepen comprehension, and build imagination, empathy, and confidence—all essential foundations for lifelong learning.
Through WWKIDS Peer Reading, children experience reading in an interactive and supportive environment that makes learning both meaningful and enjoyable.
Together, we are shaping confident, capable, and compassionate young readers—empowering them with the skills and self-belief to thrive in school and beyond.
Launched in February 2022, the program has grown through the dedication of young volunteers who share their time and voices to make a difference. We proudly recognize our past peer readers from New York City, Florida, and Jamaica—Bijan N., Robert G., Carolina M., ToriLee C., Russell G., and Justin W.—for their outstanding commitment and contribution to this meaningful work.
We continue to welcome new volunteers, schools, and partners who share our passion for literacy and youth empowerment. Together, we can inspire the next generation of readers and create lasting change through the power of books.
WWKIDS Peer Reading with John Freshe
John Freshe, peer reader since September 2023. John invited his classmates and school to support WWKIDS Read Aloud programme in September 2024. Youth Regional Coordinator at Winsome Wishes for KIDS, leads an inspiring effort to connect young readers across borders through the WWKIDS Peer Reading Program.
John facilitates weekly online read-aloud sessions that engage more than 40 students from three schools in both urban and rural communities across Jamaica. These interactive sessions foster literacy development, build confidence, and encourage a lifelong love of reading among children who participate.
Beyond leading the reading sessions, John plays an active role in coordinating tablet drives and donations, ensuring students have access to the technology needed for learning.
In New York City, John extended this initiative by establishing the WWKIDS Read Aloud Club at his high school. He successfully recruited classmates to serve as volunteers for the weekly Wednesday reading sessions via Zoom—demonstrating the power of youth leadership and global collaboration in education.
