Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry Launches Reading Initiative

Teacher Eyvette Presley and Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry look on as Kofi Brown reads his book to them.

Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, launched his Mayor's Reading Initiative, which is a reading and literacy program aimed at helping local children.

The program was introduced to the community during a ceremony on August 8 inside the Yvonne-Scarlett Golden Cultural & Educational Center (YSG).

Children ages 5 to 7 years old are able to attend the program every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the YSG Center.

"For me ,one of the most important things that we can do for our children, is to help them learn how to read and become literate," said Mayor Henry.

"The goal is to get education professionals and other motivated citizens to read to the children and to also teach them how to read."

"I believe that literacy is the single most important thing that we can do as a community to support our kids future," said Henry.

Volunteers can sign up, but must pass a background check.

The City is also looking for support from local businesses and other organizations.