25 Mar Oana Cristina Dima: Fall in love with a book!
In an era where screen time has become a daily routine, reading sometimes seems like a forgotten activity. However, there are people who firmly believe in the power of books and the magic they can bring into our lives. One such example is the activity “Fall in Love with a Book!”, organized annually at Eremia Grigorescu Technological High School in Mărășești, Vrancea County, under the guidance of Professor Oana Cristina Dima.
Reaching its fifth edition in 2025, this initiative aims to rekindle the appreciation for reading among teachers and educational staff. This year, the event brought together approximately 40 participants from three educational institutions:
- Eremia Grigorescu Technological High School
- Ecaterina Teodoroiu Secondary School
- Lizuca Normal Program Kindergarten
Reading as an Educational Model
The primary goal of this project is to promote reading among teachers so that they, in turn, become an inspiring example for their students. More than just an event dedicated to discovering new books, it encourages interaction among teachers, the exchange of experiences, and the building of a community united by a passion for literature.
How Does the Activity Take Place?
Each year, “Fall in Love with a Book!” comes with a surprise for participants. The selected books are carefully wrapped so that the title and cover remain unknown. Each package has a heart-shaped note attached, providing clues about the book’s genre and theme. The choice is not random but based on the connection the participant feels with the given clues.
Upon unwrapping, participants discover the book along with bookmarks, personalized pencils with the event’s name, and handcrafted ceramic items created by Professor Alina-Madlen Nechifor, a true expression of the educational community’s care and creativity.
Literary Challenges – A Long-Term Commitment
Each edition introduces new elements, and in 2025, participants completed a questionnaire about their reading habits, followed by a series of monthly literary challenges, such as:
- February – a romance novel
- May – a biography or autobiography
- November – a detective novel
This initiative turns reading into an ongoing process, giving participants an extra reason to maintain their reading habits throughout the year.
The Impact of the Project Over the Years
Since the first edition in 2021, the activity has grown steadily, becoming a tradition in the school community. In addition to the five editions dedicated to teachers, two special editions for students were organized in 2021 and 2022. Year after year, the event proves that reading brings people together, offers new perspectives, and contributes to everyone’s well-being.
“I experienced extraordinary moments, difficult to put into words. READING created a bond between all participants and brought us a SENSE OF WELL-BEING.” – Professor Oana Cristina Dima
Through initiatives like this, it becomes clear that the love for books can be rediscovered and shared, and the impact of reading with heart and soul extends beyond the educational community.
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