On the occasion of International Children’s Day, a Kids Read community event was organised at Malik bin Anas Independent Primary Boys’ School last week to awaken children’s enthusiasm for reading. This interactive event included storytelling, games and competitions, and fun arts and crafts for schoolchildren as well as a workshop for their parents.
Approximately 75 children and 20 parents attended the family day. The event celebrating International Children’s Day incorporated stories, activities and competitions related to the theme of volunteerism. Activities weren’t only limited to children; the parents were able to attend workshops, conducted by a British Council trainer, on how to help their children read and learn English.
Kids Read, an initiative sponsored by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited & Affiliates and developed by the British Council last year, aims to encourage children in the Middle East and North Africa region to read for pleasure both inside and outside the classroom whilst developing key English language skills at the same time.
“Reading is an important element of childhood development and the Kids Read initiative is one which HSBC supports across the region. The community events are designed to spark an interest in reading among children, and parents are provided the tools to nurture this interest, so first and foremost the children continue to read for pleasure. We were delighted to see the children enthusiastically enjoying the volunteer-themed stories and activities” said Janice Trindade, HSBC’s manager for sustainability and community sponsorships.
To further complement the volunteerism theme, a number of HSBC staff trained by the British Council donated their time to help with both the storytelling and accompanying activities.
Caroline Cameron, English Projects Manager, from the British Council, said; “The Kids Read community event was well-received by both parents and children who participated wholeheartedly in the storytelling and activities.
“The children were keen to try and read the books themselves which is a very encouraging sign that they have a long and strong reading career ahead of them”.
The community events are part of the wider Kids Read programme which is currently taking place in 12 participating schools in Qatar.
The Peninsula
