Kids Read celebrates World Book Day with fun-filled family event

To mark World Book Day, HSBC and the British Council joined together to welcome over 200 children and parents to a Kids Read event held in Ahmadi Primary school on May 16, 2013. Now in its 16th year, World Book Day, designated by UNESCO, is a worldwide celebration of books, authors and reading and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe.

A joint statement released by HSBC and the British Council stated, “Good reading starts early and children who share books with others are more likely to develop language skills and advanced reading levels. Our Kids Read event is a fun way to get everyone’s imaginations fired up and to encourage them to become avid readers”

The special event included storytelling with guest storytellers from HSBC, exciting arts and crafts activities and fun competitions. As well as joining in the activities, parents were able to attend workshops delivered by the British Council on how to help their children with reading and an introduction to their free websites LearnEnglish Kids and LearnEnglish Parents.

Simon Vaughan Johnson, CEO HSBC Kuwait said: “The Kids Read programme is growing in its popularity and importance in Kuwait. The positive feedback received from staff, parents and the children is testimony to the success of the programme and its impact in encouraging children to read. HSBC is proud of its involvement and investment in community activities that support the development of young children and contribute to sustainable positive influences in the communities in which we operate. “

Kids Read, sponsored exclusively by HSBC Bank Middle East and Affiliates and developed by the British Council, currently works with children and teachers in up to 12 government primary schools in Kuwait to encourage reading for pleasure at school and at home. Through their community programme, Kids Read hosts up to four events throughout the year to highlight important world issues and international days of celebration whilst encouraging reading for pleasure. Please contact your nearest British Council office to find out more about the next event.