Celebrating World Book Day - Towards a Reading City (with photos)
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     The "2016 World Book Day Fest - Towards a Reading City" (the Fest), co-organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) and the Education Bureau (EDB), concluded successfully today (April 23). Over 2 000 participants, including heads of primary and secondary schools, teachers, school librarians, students and parents, took part in the Fest held at Sham Shui Po Government Primary School to celebrate World Book Day.

     Under the theme "Towards a Reading City", the one-day event aimed at helping students meet the expectations of life-long learning in a knowledge society and enhance the reading culture in the city.

     In his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of SCOLAR, Mr Lester Huang, stressed that reading is the pathway to life-long learning and an effective means to enhance language proficiency. He said, "If we choose suitable reading materials for extensive reading, it will serve the two-fold purpose of enhancing our language ability and broadening our horizons."

     Also speaking at the Fest, the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mrs Marion Lai said, "Through World Book Day, I hope to gather all the forces from various sectors to create and sustain the reading atmosphere and culture of Hong Kong, which will sow the seeds of reading into the life of our students and the community."

     The Fest demonstrated the concerted efforts of various stakeholders in continuing the good work of broadening students' reading experiences. Both primary and secondary students were engaged in exploring the pleasure of books and reading-related activities. It featured a variety of inspiring and enjoyable activities, including the signature programme - a forum entitled "Enhancing Language Proficiency for Better Learning and Better Life", a "Reading Marathon", game booths themed "Love and Care", a book exhibition and parallel sessions conducted by schools, families, government and non-governmental organisations on the sharing of valuable experiences in promoting reading and writing across the city.

     In addition to the Fest, SCOLAR and the EDB will continue to collaborate with different working partners in promoting reading and fostering a sustainable reading culture in Hong Kong.

Ends/Saturday, April 23, 2016
Issued at HKT 14:58

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