Sudbury African Literacy Project
Dokun Nochirionye
Sudbury, Ontario
Sudbury African Literacy Project (SALP) was designed to promote African culture, literacy, and representation in the Greater Sudbury community. Dokun Mochirionye, aka Mrs Noch, envisioned a project to introduce African stories, authors, and voices into schools and libraries, helping children of African heritage see themselves reflected in the books they read while fostering cross-cultural understanding among all readers. The project was born out of a deep conviction that representation matters. Children and youth connect more deeply with learning when they can recognize their identity, heritage, and values in the stories around them.
A Year Of Representing A Community
Dokun Nochirionye, Mrs Noch, is a Certified Parent Educator, Founder, and Executive Director of Thriving African Families, where she spearheads initiatives that support families of African heritage through culturally relevant programs focused on education, mental well-being, integration and inclusive community connections. Her expertise in community development, governance, cultural advocacy, coaching, training facilitation and executive leadership makes her a sought-after voice in forums addressing African heritage, social inclusion, and family empowerment.
The library became a space of shared learning, where families gathered to celebrate stories, culture, and community.
SALP created a ripple of connection, curiosity, and pride across the Greater Sudbury community. Over the past year, the project reached nearly 200 participants through library events, school sessions, and storytelling workshops. Children became excited about reading African authors, parents felt seen and represented, and educators noted that the initiative enriched classroom discussions on diversity and inclusion. 100 African books were curated and distributed across the Greater Sudbury Public Library branches, making African literature accessible to all. The project also facilitated collaboration among schools, authors, and community partners, sparking a long-term movement to make literacy more inclusive and culturally grounded in Sudbury.
One of the main challenges was coordinating schedules among schools, authors, and the library, particularly during busy periods such as Black History Month. This was overcome through flexibility, open communication, and the unwavering support of dedicated partners who believed in the project’s vision. Funding was another challenge, as the project’s total cost exceeded the initial grant amount. Mrs. Noch and her team addressed this by forming partnerships with Wordstock Literary Festival, Journal Printing, and several local businesses that provided in-kind sponsorships and services. The Greater Sudbury Public Library also generously covered the cost of the author visit.
Children finding joy in reading, families feeling represented, and communities engaging in conversations about diversity, inclusion, and identity.
The next phase of SALP focuses on sustainability and youth engagement. Plans include:
- Monthly family storytelling sessions at the library
- The launch of a Youth Creative Writing Club and Essay Contest, offering bursaries for youth pursuing education or sports
- Integrating SALP as a permanent program under Thriving African Families
- Establish SALP as a signature annual literacy event that celebrates African authors and strengthens community bonds through reading and storytelling
About Dokun Nochirionye
Dokun Nochirionye, widely known as Mrs Noch, is a Certified Parent Educator, Founder, and Executive Director of Thriving African Families. She is a DEI Employment Coach, a United Way Young Leader on the Board. She serves as a Board Director on multiple local boards and provincial committees spanning education, child welfare, mental health, women’s empowerment, and family support. Her work consistently centers the voices of racialized, newcomer, and underrepresented communities in policy development, strategic planning, and advocacy. Beyond her work in advocacy and leadership, she is renowned for her ability to connect with diverse audiences. She is an electrifying public speaker, storyteller, moderator, event host, podcaster, and voice-over artist. Her contributions to the community have earned her notable recognition, including the Ontario Community Changemakers Grant, the Good Neighbour Award, the Civic Award for Volunteerism, and the Women’s Nonprofit Network Breakthrough Award.
Instagram: thrivingafricanfamilies
LinkedIn: thriving-african-families
Website/URL: Thriving African Families
Other Accounts
Instagram: @mrs.noch
LinkedIn: Mrs Noch
#EmpowerThroughLiteracy #CelebrateAfricanHeritage #InclusiveSudbury