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The popular annual library programme - "Summer Reading Month 2008" - was launched today (July 19) with the opening of a fun-filled exhibition, "A Cultural Voyage Around the World" at the Exhibition Gallery of Hong Kong Central Library (HKCL).
Using decorative images and interactive games to encourage children to read, the exhibition presents the cultures, unique features and landscapes of different continents. Set against a sporting backdrop, the exhibition conveys the unity of the world¡¦s cultures under the Olympic spirit.
To tie in with the Olympic Games in Beijing and the co-hosting of the equestrian events in Hong Kong, "Summer Reading Month 2008" will bring children a variety of programmes under the theme of "World Culture and Sports" at various public libraries from now on to August 24. Programmes include Kendo demonstrations, puppet and magic shows, erhu and handbell performances, paper-carving and origami workshops, seminars, exhibition as well as thematic contests on the "Olympic Spirit".
"The Competition on Story Writing in Chinese for Students in 2008", jointly organised by the Hong Kong Public Libraries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Children¡¦s Arts Society, also held a prize presentation ceremony today. This year, the competition was well-received with about 2,000 entries. Award winners interpreted their stories vividly through different performances.
Officiating at the prize presentation ceremony were the Vice-chairman of the Public Libraries Advisory Committee, Mr Cheung Chi-kong, and the Chairlady of the Hong Kong Children's Arts Society, Ms Suen Koon-lam.
Mr Cheung pointed out that children had lots of imaginative ideas and would make the best creators of some very distinctive stories if they ever put pen to paper. "Encouragement from parents and teachers help unfurl the potential in children. With guidance, they can learn to seek creative material from daily life, try out different means of expression and experience the fun of writing," he said.
"The entries involve topics varying from essays about real life to sci-fi stories to innovative sequels to fairytale classics; they prove the creativity of our little writers," he said.
Ms Suen encouraged youngsters to start doing more writing exercises, and put their writing skills into practice, which might pave the way to success.
She added that it was not important whether they won the competition or not. The most valuable thing was participation, during which participants could gain experience, learn from others and soon make progress.
At the colourful exhibition, the sailboat "The Olympics" will take children through "A Cultural Voyage Around the World". Children can journey across the oceans to the scenic spots of "Ancient Asia",
"North American Dream World", "Latin American Jungles", "African Grasslands", "Oceania Farms", "European Piazzas" and "International Sports Complex", where they can see how people on different continents play sports, celebrate festivals, entertain and lead their lives.
In the ¡§North American Dream World¡¨, children can see how the ¡§American Dream¡¨ is realised through the history of Hollywood, cowboys and Native Americans, the heads of American presidents on Mount Rushmore and ice hockey rink. These legends and images represent the North American pioneers and dream-seekers.
The colourful and exciting worlds of samba and football are presented in ¡§Latin American Jungles¡¨. Children can walk into the ancient and mysterious worlds of the Mayans and the Incas, to learn more about Latin American culture.
Across the Atlantic Ocean are the ¡§African Grasslands¡¨. Visitors will be amazed by the interesting music instruments made from materials found in nature, like wood and gourds, and they will also be awestruck by the incredible Ethiopian athletes who like to run barefoot.
¡§Oceania Farms¡¨ are a habitat for rare animals and a paradise for water sports. Not only can children find the modernity of European culture there, but also they can learn about the customs and traditions of the aborigines.
Leaving ¡§Oceania Farms¡¨, children will reach ¡§European Piazzas¡¨, where they can see superb cuisines, fine arts and crafts, gorgeous architecture and elegant equestrian sports. There is also a tour bus filled with books and children will be charmed by the romance and elegance of Europe.
¡§Ancient Asia¡¨, with its different cuisines, will stimulate visitors¡¦ appetites. After that they may wish to learn a few tricks of East Asian kungfu.
Not to be missed is the ¡§International Sports Complex¡¨. Apart from learning the ancient origins of sports, visitors can also take part in cultural performances there. They can also try the ¡§Cultural Maze¡¨ to test their knowledge of different cultures around the world.
Other highlights of ¡§Summer Reading Month 2008¡¨ are ¡§Family Story-telling and Dramatisation Contest: Olympic Spirit¡¨ and ¡§Contest: Create Your Own Game¡¨ to be held at the Exhibition Gallery of the HKCL to stimulate interest in reading among children and to enhance their team-building spirit and knowledge of sports.
Fringe programmes include ¡§Fun with the Czech Puppet Show¡¨, ¡§A Wonderful Magic Tour¡¨, ¡§Musical Drama: Around the World in 80 Days¡¨, ¡§Music Around the World by Purple Lee¡¨ and ¡§Disney Reading Together¡¨.
In addition, the Assistant Director of the Centre for Child Development of the Hong Kong Baptist University, Dr Anna Hui, will give a talk entitled ¡§Paired Reading Talk 1: Creativity Education through Reading¡¨ for parents and children¡¦s education workers from 3pm to 4.30pm on July 27. Experienced writer of children¡¦s literature Ms Pearl Poon will share her views in ¡§Paired Reading Talk 2: Fun in Paired Reading and Writing¡¨ on August 3 from 3.30pm to 5pm. The talks, conducted in Cantonese, will be held at the Lecture Theatre and the Activity Room 1 of the HKCL respectively.
A suggested booklist on world culture is available to visitors to the event.
In order to further promote children and students¡¦ interest in and knowledge of the Olympic Games and sports, a special reading activity ¡§Light Your Reading Passion ¡V 2008 Summer Reading Programme¡¨ will be launched from now to September 30. Through reading of books on sports and the Olympics and creative writing or drawing, the activity aims to heighten participants¡¦ interest in the Olympics, Paralympics and sports, widen their scope of reading and enhance their ability in reading and writing.
Admission to all activities is free. For some programmes, admission tickets are required. Programme details and admission ticket information are in the booklet distributed at all public libraries. Enquiries can be made at 2921 2646, or visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, July 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 15:01
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