The Ministry of Education in a partnership with Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), and in collaboration with Isa Cultural Centre, launched a two-week reading campaign entitled “READ”. It took place from 24th March to 4th April, 2019.
The Aim
Hassan Jarrar, the CEO of BisB said, “This valuable initiative comes in line with the Bank’s social innovation pillar, “Jood”. It goes beyond the traditional limits of social responsibility to reflect our desire to create real impact and leave a positive imprint. We focus on two key areas; innovation and education”.
The initiative is crucial in this day and age, in light of its aim to create a culture of reading and love and learning in youngsters. It encourages them to read more often and improve their lives holistically. We are proud to support such creative education-focused initiatives, he added.
The Initiative
“READ” helped to celebrate 100 years of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The portable library bus visited schools, such as Bahrain Bayan School, St. Christopher’s School, Alia School, West Riffa Primary School, Somaiya Primary Girls School, etc. as well as popular locations such as Cinekids Bahrain, Studio Ceramics, Yellow Submarine, Zallaq Springs and Ready Get Set Cook.
The initiative was a great success. It encouraged children to learn about people, places, and events outside of their own experience through reading. It helped them reflect directly on their quality of life and the economy of Bahrain. Local thinkers, authors and social media influencers were also invited to be reading ambassadors. The students enjoyed a number of entertaining activities.
With sustainability in mind, the campaign focused on parent and educator engagement levels through various literacy-promoting activities on social media through the channel @readbahrain.
Shaikha Hala Al Khalifa, project manager of the campaign said, “Books and reading are fundamental to children’s language development, regardless of their first language.”
She then added, “There is no greater gift we can give to a child than the ability to read, which is why I extend my appreciation to BisB, Isa Cultural Centre, and members of the community for supporting us and being committed.”