Room to Read launches Classroom Library 2018

In order to develop reading skills and a habit of reading among children, Room to Read organized the ‘Launching Ceremony of Library 2018’ on July 23 at Bangladesh Shishu Academy. Advocate Mostafizur Rahman MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education graced the program as chief guest. Along with him, Dr Md Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, ndc, Director General (Additional Secretary), Directorate of Primary Education and Anisul Hoque, littérateur and Editor, Kishor Alo were present there as special guests. 

Rakhi Sarkar, country director of Room to Read Bangladesh, talked about the importance of children’s storybooks and the necessity of a child friendly learning environment in the development of quality education. She also went on to say that around 300,000 children of more than 1,000 government primary schools have received around 6,000 classroom libraries. She also mentioned that Room to Read Bangladesh has published 103 Bangla storybooks of which about 800,000 copies have been distributed to primary schools so far. All the activities have been highly recognized and appreciated by government officials, school authority, parents and children. She stated that the close collaboration between Directorate of Primary Education and Room to Read has built an ideal and splendid example in improving children’s education. 

The Literacy Program Operation Officer, Monzur Elahi talked about the overall activities of Room to Read Bangladesh. Room to Read started its work since 2009 to create the education opportunity for children by its ‘Literacy Program’ and ‘Girls’ Educaiton Program’. He also explained the objectives of their literacy program and discussed the roles of classroom based libraries in order to improve reading skills and reading habit.

Littérateur and Editor Anisul Hoque said, “Room to Read is taking classroom library to the children. Currently we are quite tensed about the young generation. I feel that the young generation needs to read more books. In this regard, what Room to Read is doing needs to be appreciated.”

Director General (Additional Secretary), Directorate of Primary Education Dr Md Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, ndc, said that the collaboration between Room to Read and the government is an excellent example of public and private partnership. “In this urban environment, we cannot give child-friendly space to our children. The library program of Room to Read has prepared this space for them. Our government is doing lots of work for education like training for teachers and research opportunities.” 

Honourable Minister Advocate Mostafizur Rahman MP urged everyone to work together in his speech and reaffirmed the government's commitment to meet the goals of the education sector. He also commended Room to Read’s effective contribution in boosting the sector.