This unique initiative was launched by the Aga Khan Education Service, India and spans across its eight schools and 19 preschools to promote reading from an early age. The programme encourages parents to read to their children, which will help them build strong relationships, teach them about the world, foster a desire to learn, broaden perspectives, encourage imagination, increase language skills and vocabulary, and nurture the joy of reading. 

The day commenced with a warm welcome, emphasising the crucial role parents play in shaping their children's literacy journey. To add an element of fun and camaraderie, a stimulating balloon-blasting activity took place, serving as an engaging icebreaker. This shared moment of enjoyment set the stage for discussions on the importance of reading in children's development. 

“The RFC event was a special time where our students discovered the joy of reading,” said Ms Aruna Kurva, the pre-primary section head. “It helped them grow and connect with the world through stories."  

After the welcome and icebreaker, educators and experts at the school passionately highlighted the purpose of the event to the parents. A captivating storytelling activity was also done by Ms Farha Nahid, a pre-primary section teacher, which held both children and parents spellbound. 

Following this was an interactive session, also led by Ms Farha, which shifted the focus of the event to fostering curiosity. The discussions revolved around the importance of encouraging children to ask questions while reading, emphasising how inquiry sparks critical thinking and deeper understanding. Experts shared insights and practical strategies, empowering parents to make reading sessions more collaborative and enjoyable. Some tips included using expressive voices while reading and encouraging discussions about the stories, enriching the reading experience for both parent and child. Parents also enjoyed a hands-on wordsearch which reinforced the joy of learning through literature. 

“Participating in the RFC event was a truly enriching experience,” said Ms Anila Nalam, the parent of Ashwath Ram Nalam from the pre-primary section. “It highlighted the importance of reading together and provided valuable insights on how to make reading sessions more engaging for our children. We are grateful to the school for organising such an inspiring event.” 

As the event concluded, heartfelt gratitude was extended to all participants, speakers and contributors for enthusiastically engaging with the Read for Children initiative. Children and parents alike enjoyed the opportunity to read together, creating shared moments of discovery and delight.