A Tennessee barber wanted to encourage the kids in his community to read. He figured out the best way to do it was to offer discounts to kids who read books while he cuts their hair.
Jermaine Scott noticed that most kids kept themselves busy while getting their hair cut at his shop. The kids at Ligons Barbershop were largely busying themselves on phones and tablets. Jermaine wanted to see a change, so he did something about it. He started offering haircuts for $10 for kids who read while getting their hair cut, a discount from the usual $15.
Six months ago, Jermaine got started on his mission. He went to the local library and loaded up on books for kids to choose from. He set it up so that the discount is available each Thursday to kids willing to participate.
“You have to educate your mind,” Jermaine explained. “Education is key.” He was motivated when he realized that he hadn’t prioritized reading himself growing up. He hopes to be a positive influence on the next generation, helping them realize that reading can open up much more than discounted haircuts if they stick to it.
Jermaine hopes other shops will give the initiative a shot. Since his story has gotten out, he’s received donations of books toward his cause, including from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.
Source : https://www.littlethings.com/barber-discounted-haircuts-kids-read/