Ambassador Martinez participates in the seventh National Reading Marathon organized by Fundacion Leer

October 2, 2009

Ambassador Martinez

Ambassador Vilma Martinez celebrated the joy of reading with a group of twenty primary school students at the Buenos Aires Zoo during the National Reading Marathon sponsored by Fundacion Leer on October 2.  At one of the 25 reading corners set up around the zoo, Ambassador Martinez read “The Dot (El Punto)” by U.S. author Peter H. Reynolds.  Felix de Barrio, President of Fundacion Leer, introduced Ambassador Martinez, noting that she is the first woman to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina.

For the seventh consecutive year the Fundacion Leer organized the National Reading Marathon, designed to highlight the importance of reading. The launching event took place at the Buenos Aires zoo on October 2 with 700 children from primary schools. Volunteers and celebrity guests read to the children at reading corners (Postas) set up around the zoo. Fundacion Leer is an affiliate of the U.S. NGO Reading is Fundamental.  The United States Embassy was one of many sponsors that donated books for the reading marathon.  The books will become part of the collections of public school libraries throughout Argentina.