The British Council awarded 20 primary school students today in a story telling competition organized as part of the ‘Kids Read’ program. The prize giving ceremony was held at the Govt. National Primary School.
Around 800 students from 96 primary schools studying from Class 1 to 5 at Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar participated in the competition. 92 participants were shortlisted for final round and each were awarded with a Bronze medal, a crest, a certificate and books. A total of 20 participants were selected for best prize from each group and were awarded with Gold medal, a crest, a certificate and books.
The event was graced by the presence of Professor Irshad Kamal Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Chittagong Independent University as Chief Guest. Barbara Wickham, Director, British Council Bangladesh, Robert S Hermelin, Head of HR of HSBC Bangladesh and Sarwat Reza, Library manager, British Council Bangladesh were present as special guests.
‘Reading books is the best way a child can become an enlightened human being. The British Council undertakes various endeavors to ensure that children in Bangladesh grow an interest of reading books. This event is one of these relentless endeavors,’ said Barbara Wickham.
‘Kids Read’ program, developed by The British Council, and supported by grants from The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), was initially launched in Chittagong on 31 January, 2015. The program was launched in order to bring different aspects to the children, teachers, school administration staff and parents in Bangladesh through school events, community events and competitions.‘Kids Read’ is an award-winning scheme developed to help children enjoy reading across the Middle East, North Africa region as teachers and parents often struggle to find ways to motivate children to read. Bangladesh is one of eight countries in Asia where the British Council will support the Ministry of Education’s current work in English language and literacy development.