Campaign to promote reading
WITH Cheam Li Joan’s proficiency in English, one would never guess that her family uses Hokkien as the medium of communication at home.
Although she was initially weak in English, the Chong Hwa Independent School student was determined to improve her language skills and joined the school’s English debate team.
Thanks to the support and encouragement from her teachers and peers, Li Joan’s command in English has improved tremendously.
“Don’t be shy. No one will look down on you as everyone is trying too.
“Sure, there will be some mistakes and people may laugh, but that is just the process of learning,” she said, pointing out that the school and teachers played an important role in advocating the importance of English to students.
The best way to learn, she added, is to practise on a daily basis.
“Read, write and then speak. Watching English shows like Little Einstein and Peppa Pig also helps with grammar and vocabulary,” she said.
The 17-year old who is currently in Form Five, said English is an important language to master as it is recognised globally and used in many parts of the world.
Known as one of the top independent schools in the country, Chong Hwa Independent School, Kuala Lumpur, has been producing well-rounded and holistic students.
The school, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, has been actively encouraging its students to cultivate a strong reading culture to boost both their gen-
eral knowledge and language proficiency.
It launched its inaugural reading campaign recently in a bid to boost the importance of reading among its 5,000 students.
Organised by the school’s English Language Department, the campaign was held from April 18 to May 4.
It was held daily during the students’ second recess where they could enjoy reading with their friends at the designated English corner.
Besides a variety of English materials, other items such as Scrabble and educational and fun
games were also available. Students also enjoyed light refreshments such as tea, coffee and biscuits there.
Li Joan said the campaign provided an opportunity for students to realise how fun reading and English could be.
Fellow schoolmates Charlotte Loh and Chuah Wan Chin, both from a fully Chinese speaking background, shared Li Joan’s sentiment.
Charlotte said reading helps students broaden their critical thinking skills. Wan Chin said reading has exposed her to new ways of using words.
“I write in my diary daily in English to practise,” she added.
Chong Hwa Independent High School principal Cheong Moey Lian said the campaign’s objective was to create a good reading environment for the students.
“They can enrich their knowledge through reading and strengthen their command in English,” she said. Cheong also revealed that the new Chong Hwa building which is currently under construction will house an “English speaking only” cafe.
Meanwhile, Tan Choon Moi who heads the school’s English Department which consists of 33
teachers, believes the campaign could cultivate a reading habit among students.
“The campaign was due to the teachers’ hard work and commitment, who went the extra mile for our students,” she said.
The English Department’s assistant heads Lim Swee Hoong and Malini Devi nodded in agreement, saying that it was not easy to organise the campaign but it was made easier with the strong support from the school’s board and top management.
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader, this was the reading campaign’s tagline,” said Lim.