Buffalo Students Hosted Interactive Reading Workshop

Author Nancy Churnin read to students at Public School 99 as part of a recurring citywide community program.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Civic

Buffalo Students Hosted Interactive Reading Workshop

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Four local organizations, including the 5/14 Memorial Foundation, launched the first session of the Little Voices Big Courage program this school year at Public School 99. The event featured author Nancy Churnin reading her book, Manjhi Moves a Mountain, to Buffalo students.

Why it matters

The program uses storytelling as a tool for youth advocacy and healing to help children recognize their internal strength. It encourages students to dream big and persist when facing obstacles.

This session marks the third year of the community reading initiative. Wednesday represented the first installation of the program for the current academic year.

The players

Nancy Churnin

She is an author who wrote the book Manjhi Moves a Mountain and participated in the Buffalo reading workshop.

5/14 Memorial Foundation

This organization is a partner in the Little Voices Big Courage program focused on community healing.

Say Yes Buffalo

This organization collaborated on the creation of the Little Voices Big Courage reading program.

The details

The Little Voices Big Courage program is a collaborative effort between four Buffalo organizations, including Say Yes Buffalo and the 5/14 Memorial Foundation. Author Nancy Churnin conducted the workshop by reading her work about an Indian laborer to students.

Wednesday marked the first interactive reading workshop held at Public School 99 for the school year.

Industry Dynamics

This initiative reflects a broader trend of utilizing local community programming to address collective trauma through the arts. It follows a pattern set by the aftermath of the 5/14 tragedy in Buffalo, where community institutions prioritize youth healing initiatives.

Students at Public School 99 gained direct access to a literary performance designed to foster resilience. Families interested in similar programming can monitor local school district announcements for future sessions in the ongoing series.

The takeaway

Using literature as a framework can provide children with tangible examples of how to persist through difficult circumstances. Parents can look for reading programs in their own school districts as a way to support both literacy and emotional development.