IBBY-Asahi Reports - February 2017

Report from Big Brother Mouse, Laos

Students in three villages in the Paklai District in Xayaboury Province of Laos can now enjoy a book during their school's new reading time. Until now, most of these children had probably never even seen a book except perhaps a textbook, and had never read a book for enjoyment. Some did not even know such things existed.

Big Brother Mouse has now set up a reading programme in the primary schools in these villages. Many of these children will not be reading at first; reading skills are very weak, because they have so little practice. But now, with the very easy books that BBM provides, those skills will improve. The villages will also contribute to the programme.

To start off the new programme, BBM held a book party for the children. At the end of the party all the children got to select a free book of their own – nearly always the first book they have ever owned. A set of books was donated to every classroom, so they can have a reading time every day. BBM left over 2,000 books in these three schools!

It was an exciting day for all of the children, and we know they will always remember it – both because they had fun, and for the magic of opening a fun book for the first time. And now, they can begin to develop a habit of reading every day, and discovering the new world that opens up. 

Big Brother Mouse will also make follow up visits to each school, to be sure the programme continues and works well.

It was an exciting day for all of the children, and one that they will always remember  – both because they had fun, and for the magic of opening a fun book for the first time. And now, they can begin to develop a habit of reading every day, and discovering the new world that opens up. 

To see more the pictures from the inauguration days visit the Big Brother Mouse website:

Sangsahuang Village (20.12.2016): www.bigbrothermouse.com/photoalbum/161220sangsahu480p.html
Buaban Village (22.12.2016): www.bigbrothermouse.com/photoalbum/161222bua503p.html
Kangsao Village (26.12.2016): www.bigbrothermouse.com/photoalbum/161226kangsao476p.html

 

February 2017