Freda Osayande is making waves, one page at a time

BY KAHA G.

Imagine waking up in a world where words are just a jumble of incomprehensible symbols. Unable to read, struggling with everyday tasks like homework, understanding medical prescriptions, or even reading a bus schedule. Each day is a never-ending pool of confusion and frustration. You feel isolated, embarrassed to ask for help, and constantly fear making mistakes that could impact the well-being of you and your loved ones. Illiteracy traps many individuals in a cycle of dependence and lost opportunities, affecting their dreams of a better future. This is a harsh reality for many not only in Ontario, but worldwide.

Freda Osayande, a 16-year-old from Ontario, is on a mission to change this. As a World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador, Freda is dedicated to increasing education and community awareness about the importance of literacy.

 “Originally when I found out about the opportunity, I was ecstatic, because reading was something I am very passionate about,” Freda explains. “So, I immediately applied for it, and I didn’t think I was gonna get it, because I thought that this is something worldwide and it’s competitive, and what if I’m not good enough. As I applied, I was very inspired, because I had seen some of the work that they did like posting vlogs, talking about the importance of literacy, and fundraising. They were able to give back to the communities that have less.”

Freda’s love for books isn’t her only driving force. Her commitment to her community shines through her volunteer work. From serving meals at soup kitchens to organizing events at local libraries and hospitals, to tutoring young children in reading through the ‘Love for Reading’ program that has raised over $2,000 to provide menstrual products for women in need. Both locally and globally, she has showcased her dedication to helping others.

In school, Freda is just as active. She’s a member of clubs focused on: social justice, creative writing, and mental health awareness. Her blog showcases her thoughts and passions, and her writing has earned her several awards, including the Polar Express Publishing Poetry Contest and an Honorable Mention from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Reflecting on her role models, Freda shares, “I would choose to have dinner with Maya Angelou. I really enjoy all the work she’s published and put out, and I look to her for writing inspiration. I also love her because of her circumstances as a marginalized Black woman trying to get into the literary world at such a young age. I know that her works have really impacted Black literature and how people view black literature, so she’s an inspiration for me.”

When I asked her, it was evident her biggest role model was her mom, “Some people who have inspired me are my mom, because I mean coming from a different country, coming from Nigeria, having to relearn how to be a nurse, and going back to school again while taking care of six children, it definitely wasn’t easy for her. She always stayed so: strong, motivated, happy, a source of joy, and always willing to help others, and I feel like those qualities naturally just came to me.

“I saw it growing up and I know how fulfilled and happy she was no matter how tough times were. So, she definitely acts as an inspiration and guidance for me. I tell her every day, ‘Mom, I don’t know how you do it, but I love you, I appreciate you,’ and hopefully I can do something in the future to show her how much I appreciate her. “

Nearing the conclusion of our interview, I asked her what the best piece of advice was she’s received, and what’s the best advice she would give to others our age regarding passion. She stated that her best pieces of advice are, “It’s better to do something and fail at it, than to not do anything at all, and never know and have regrets.”

“Another is to always be kind and try new things because I feel like that will always get you where you need to be, and also there’s a sense of fulfillment and happiness that comes with trying new things and getting to meet new people. It builds the world around you and allows you to know more and gain more experience.” 

Lastly, she ended off by saying, “I feel like people are always telling you these days to find what makes the most money for them, and to focus on things that will give profit back to them, and that you shouldn’t spend your time with things that aren’t profitable, or if you can’t gain anything from it you shouldn’t do it. I think it devalues human life. I believe we are created to put things out into the world and do things and change people’s lives even if it doesn’t benefit us in any way. So, the advice is that they can focus on things that give them monetary value and things that are essential that gets them where they need to be, but they should also stick close to things that keep them happy even if they don’t have any value, because it is valuable to you because it makes you happy. “

Freda Osayande’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. As a World Literacy Foundation Youth Ambassador, she stands at the forefront of a movement to break the barriers of illiteracy and empower communities through education. Her commitment to volunteering, academic excellence, and advocacy reflects not only her love for literature but also her profound belief in the potential of every individual to make a difference.

With unwavering determination, Freda continues to inspire others to embrace the joy of reading and the importance of kindness and exploration. Her journey, rooted in personal experiences and guided by strong role models like Maya Angelou and her resilient mother, serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for young minds everywhere.

As Freda looks ahead, her vision is clear: to foster a world where literacy is accessible to all, and where passion and happiness drive personal growth and societal change. With her boundless enthusiasm and compassionate spirit, Freda Osayande is truly making waves, one page at a time.