The "2017 World Book Day Fest - Towards a Reading City", co-organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) and the Education Bureau (EDB), concluded successfully today (April 22).
 
     The Fest, which had the theme "Towards a Reading City", aimed to foster a habit among students of reading widely and to enhance the reading culture in the city. Over 2 700 participants, including school heads, teachers and school librarians of secondary schools, primary schools and kindergartens as well as students and their parents, participated in the Fest held at SKH St. Mary's Church Mok Hing Yiu College. 
 
     In his welcome speech at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of SCOLAR, Mr Lester Huang, said, "To enjoy the various pleasures and benefits brought by reading, 'diversity' is the key. We should read books of different genres and topics as much as possible, be it literary, informative or scientific." He also recommended that the audience read books written in different languages to enhance their language proficiency as well as broaden their horizons.
    
     Also speaking at the Fest, the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mrs Marion Lai, said, "The promotion of reading should not be limited to the school sector. Strategically, we should gather all the forces from the EDB, schools, community, parents as well as students to create and sustain the reading atmosphere and culture of Hong Kong so that everyone in the city, including students, enjoys reading."

     The Fest demonstrated the concerted efforts of various stakeholders in continuing the good work of broadening students' reading experiences. Kindergarten, primary and secondary students engaged in exploring the pleasure of books and reading-related activities. The Fest featured a variety of inspiring and enjoyable activities, including the signature programme - a forum entitled "Read Widely, Live Splendidly", a "Reading Marathon - Read Widely and Think Wisely", game booths themed "Perseverance and Problem Solving", a book exhibition and parallel sessions conducted by schools, government and non-governmental organisations as well as libraries on the sharing of valuable experiences in promoting reading and writing across the city.

     SCOLAR and the EDB will continue to collaborate with different working partners in promoting reading with a view to benefiting more people in exploring the pleasure of reading.

Ends/Saturday, April 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:55

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