Savannah leaders read to elementary school students for International Literacy Day

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Students at Haven Elementary School had some special visitors stop by school Monday.

Mayor Van Johnson, alongside Savannah firefighters, police officers and other community partners, joined the elementary schoolers for International Literacy Day.

Students got to listen as Savannah leaders read aloud to them. They also had a chance to enjoy a sweet treat, meet Davy from the Ghost Pirates and take home free books donated by Amazon.

Mayor Van Johnson says the reading event emphasizes the shared goal of building a stronger, more literate Savannah.

“We can’t sit back and say to our board or to our education partners ‘that’s your thing.’ We have to take those lessons that are taught in school. We have to reinforce them at home, in our faith institutions, in our community centers. and so, we’ve made literacy one of our major pushes,” said Mayor Johnson.

Monday’s reading event was also part of the City’s 912 Day celebration.

SEE: What is Savannah’s 912 Day?

Each September, the event brings residents together to strengthen community bonds, highlight local businesses and inspire civic pride.