Five young readers in the Dominican Republic, including Maikol Arias, have earned a Guinness World Record after completing over 500 hours of continuous reading aloud in Santo Domingo.
The marathon effort was organized under the challenge title Juventud en Voz Alta, or Youth Out Loud. The challenge began on August 31 with an initial goal of 480 hours, but the five participants voluntarily chose to continue reading past the target to exceed the 500-hour mark.
The achievement restores a national record for the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean nation located in the Greater Antilles. Guinness World Records, headquartered in London, monitors and certifies record-breaking achievements globally across human endurance and specialized skills.
Mother Celebrates Reading Milestone
Yajaira Sánchez, the mother of Maikol Arias, celebrated the accomplishment with tears of emotion and deep pride. She gave thanks to God for granting strength to the five young readers, whom she described as superheroes who brought national pride to their country.
Sánchez acknowledged that behind the success were major family and personal sacrifices. During the preparation phase, her son was required to limit routine age-appropriate activities to focus entirely on reading and academic discipline.
Reflecting on the preparation process, Sánchez said that while the sacrifices were difficult to process at the time, reaching the milestone proved that every effort was worth it. She noted that having the Dominican Republic recognized on an international stage was the greatest possible reward for the families.
She described her son as a responsible, persistent, and determined worker. According to Sánchez, Maikol consistently achieves the goals he sets for himself through hard work and faith.
Academic Ambitions and Family Support
Beyond the reading challenge, Maikol has already set clear objectives for his future education. Sánchez revealed that her son intends to pursue university studies in International Business, an academic discipline focused on cross-border trade, economics, and global corporate management.
Sánchez expressed gratitude for her son's sense of purpose and affirmed that she would always be present to support him. She also offered formal thanks to Carlos Valdez, the Minister of Youth, for offering the five participants the opportunity to take on the national challenge.
The young reader's aunt, Yvette Arias, also praised her nephew's character and personal values. She described Maikol as a respectful, well-educated student with a pure heart, attributing his record performance to his personal discipline and strong character.
Government Support and Youth Inspiration
Carlos Valdez, the Minister of Youth, highlighted the accomplishment as a clear demonstration of youth determination and enthusiasm. He emphasized that the group showed exceptional commitment throughout the extended endurance trial.
The Ministry of Youth operates as the cabinet-level government agency in the Dominican Republic tasked with creating policies, educational opportunities, and development programs for young citizens nationwide.
The marathon accomplishment attracted broad national interest, with public figures including Miss Dominican Republic Universe celebrating the reading record and noting that education had opened key opportunities in her own career.
Sánchez concluded by inviting other young people across the country to follow the example set by the five record-holders. She encouraged youth to cultivate reading and study habits, stating that reading should not be viewed as a burden, but as an achievable personal goal.
