British “Kids Read” Project kicks off in Algiers

Algiers- The British Council and HSBC launched an educational program “Kids Read” Thursday at Les Fréres Abdeslami middle school in Kouba.

“Kids Read” project aims to encourage reading for pleasure inside and outside the classroom, develop English language skills, provide schools with access to books, and support literacy initiatives.

Echorouk asked the Regional Manager of English Projects in the Maghreb at the British Council, Ms Christina Phelps, about whether it is directed only to kids in capitals and big towns, or to those living in isolated areas as well, she said; “Kids Read Program is launched, as a first step, in big towns; however, it will reach Algerian kids in isolated areas”.

“This is an important point that should be taken into consideration, because working together with Algeria’s Ministry of Education, the project should spread the reading culture amongst schools and families across the country”, she asserted.

The amazing storyteller Mr Alec William, who is also the Chair of the School Library Association in the UK, attracted the attention of pupils, who interacted with his high-energy storytelling session, and enjoyed every part of the story.

“Read Kids project starts from this small middle school in Algiers, but could reach as many Algerian kids as possible, giving the opportunity to everyone across the country to read for fun, and help awaken enthusiasm to learn English and develop the skills”, he said.

HSBC exclusively sponsored the project and joined forces with the British Council to promote and encourage reading among kids in government schools across 13 countries in MENA and South Asia.