A reading initiative called Kids Read, developed by the British Council and exclusively sponsored by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited has launched the first of a series of special events.
The programme, launched in October, is designed to give as many primary school children as possible, the opportunity to read and help awaken their enthusiasm to read by making it enjoyable and accessible. Kids Read involves a variety of school activities alongside public community events.
The first of these was held at Bachoura Municipal Public Library managed by Assabil, Friends of Public Libraries Association and celebrated UN Day of the Child and incorporated stories, activities and competitions related to the theme of volunteerism. 44 kids from Shakib Arslan Public School attended with their teachers.
Claire Ross, English Project Manager at the British Council, said the theme of volunteerism had been chosen for its link to HSBC’s role in the programme.
“Not only are they funding the programme but their staff are taking an active role in the project as volunteers supporting schools, children and families in exploring the exciting world of reading,” said Claire Ross. Nine staff from HSBC branches across Lebanon joined with British Council staff to read stories and do English language arts and crafts activities based on the themes of the books.
The quality of competition entries was very high from the kids. Children designed a superhero logo and explained how their superhero could play the role of volunteer in their community. The two winners were: Mohammed Itani and Rima Sabe Ayon.
Diala Sobh, HSBC marketing and communications manager said "The interaction between the HSBC volunteers and the students was enjoyable and fulfilling, and we both had loads of fun. Kids Read is a great program that extends beyond the children's world to reach teachers, children families and even us as members of HSBC. It was definitely an enlightening morning that all of us will remember."
The community events are part of the wider Kids Read programme which is currently taking place in ten participating schools in Lebanon. Future community events will be built around other themes and celebrate global events, namely: Value of Money (February 2012); Arts and Culture around World Book Day (April 2012) and the Environment with World Environment Day (June 2012).
Aimed at primary school kids, the programme encourages reading for pleasure inside and outside the classroom.
To facilitate this, the British Council and HSBC are donating books to all participating schools, to Bachoura Municipal Public Library, and other libraries participating in the upcoming community events.
HSBC and British Council hope to reach over 2000 children directly in Lebanon and up to 25,000 across 11 other countries in the MENA region, initially for one academic year.
The first of these was held at Bachoura Municipal Public Library managed by Assabil, Friends of Public Libraries Association and celebrated UN Day of the Child and incorporated stories, activities and competitions related to the theme of volunteerism. 44 kids from Shakib Arslan Public School attended with their teachers.
Claire Ross, English Project Manager at the British Council, said the theme of volunteerism had been chosen for its link to HSBC’s role in the programme.
“Not only are they funding the programme but their staff are taking an active role in the project as volunteers supporting schools, children and families in exploring the exciting world of reading,” said Claire Ross. Nine staff from HSBC branches across Lebanon joined with British Council staff to read stories and do English language arts and crafts activities based on the themes of the books.
The quality of competition entries was very high from the kids. Children designed a superhero logo and explained how their superhero could play the role of volunteer in their community. The two winners were: Mohammed Itani and Rima Sabe Ayon.
Diala Sobh, HSBC marketing and communications manager said "The interaction between the HSBC volunteers and the students was enjoyable and fulfilling, and we both had loads of fun. Kids Read is a great program that extends beyond the children's world to reach teachers, children families and even us as members of HSBC. It was definitely an enlightening morning that all of us will remember."
The community events are part of the wider Kids Read programme which is currently taking place in ten participating schools in Lebanon. Future community events will be built around other themes and celebrate global events, namely: Value of Money (February 2012); Arts and Culture around World Book Day (April 2012) and the Environment with World Environment Day (June 2012).
Aimed at primary school kids, the programme encourages reading for pleasure inside and outside the classroom.
To facilitate this, the British Council and HSBC are donating books to all participating schools, to Bachoura Municipal Public Library, and other libraries participating in the upcoming community events.
HSBC and British Council hope to reach over 2000 children directly in Lebanon and up to 25,000 across 11 other countries in the MENA region, initially for one academic year.
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