DHAKA: The Asia Foundation Bangladesh will observe International Literacy Day-2013 by organizing a book donation event and children’s book fair on September 7 at Rayer Bazar Playground in the capital featuring 15 exhibitors from local children’s book publication house.

The Asia Foundation will donate 4000 books to 20 local schools and organize a book fair for children to promote the role of children’s books for developing reading habits and literacy among more than 10,000 primary level students and school teachers.

This event will be a rendezvous of young readers, children`s book publishers, and national and international organizations such as, Room to Read, Jaago Foundation, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, the British Council, and Dhaka Ahsania Mission to celebrate the transformative power of children’s books with The Asia Foundation.

The vision of this event is to make children book available for the underprivileged community children.

This International Literacy Day, The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program and Room to Read announce a partnership that will expand access to compelling early reading material to children in under-served communities throughout developing Asia.

The partnership brings together Room to Read’s award-winning local language publications with Books for Asia’s extensive network of schools and libraries in the region to further their shared mission of providing educational tools that inspire and inform

Hasan Mazumdar, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation, Bangladesh; Zaki Hasan, Country Director, Room to Read Bangladesh; Anwer Hossain Managing Director, Sesame Workshop Bangladesh; Ehsanur Rahmna, Executive Director, Dhaka Ahsania Mission;  Korvi Rakshand, Founder, Jaago Foundation; Sukla Dey, Program Coordinator, The Asia Foundation; will be attending the event along with representatives and students from local schools.

The honorable guest will talk about the significance of literacy and also to encourage children to develop their reading habit by reading different kind of books. As a part of the celebration a short cultural will be presented by the students from JAAGO Foundation and Students from CDL (Community Development Library).

Books for Asia donates more than 50,000 new books annually to approximately 500 institutions in all of Bangladesh`s seven divisions, including all types of academic institutions and libraries.

Last year The Asia Foundation observed International Literacy Day by organizing storytelling competition and donating 2000 books to different schools of Savar industrial area.

This year as part of the celebration, The Asia Foundation will be collaborating local publishers who publish children-books, and their presence with colorful children’s book and other education materials to encourage the students to get more involved in reading. This fair is open for all children from 11 am to 5 pm and no registration fee will be taken.

In keeping with the celebratory tone, Sesame Workshop will hold an entertainment session where children will get learning opportunities through popular Sisimpur Muppet characters, games and other interactive activities.

BDST: 1655 HRS, SEP 05, 2013
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