A Kids Read storytelling afternoon took place at the Pavilion, Downtown Dubai on Saturday 25 February to build children’s enthusiasm for reading. This interactive event included storytelling, games and arts and crafts for children as well as workshops for their parents to help them bond with their children through books.

Kids Read, sponsored exclusively by HSBC Bank Middle East, has been developed by the British Councilto give as many primary school-aged children as possible the opportunity to read and to make reading enjoyable and accessible.

Richard Cotton, Director British Council UAE said “ This event is a fantastic way to show kids that reading is fun and to get them excited about books. Readingis a key part of a child’s development, unlocking the door to a wealth of knowledge and benefitting kids for the rest of their lives. Working with HSBC, we have chosen stories that explore the theme of money; after all you’re never too young to start learning the value of money!”

HSBC volunteers have been specially trained by the British Counciland read popular stories including The Great Pet Sale, Jamela’s Birthday and Master Money the Millionaire. The storytelling will be followed by arts and crafts activities related to the books.  

Marcus Hurry, Deputy CEO HSBC Bank Middle Eastsaid "Given the importance of reading to every child's development - both academically and socially -  HSBC is very pleased to be sponsoring the Kids Read initiative.  Every community needs lively, enquiring minds. Capturing opportunities to encourage reading, and the self confidence it brings, is fundamental to HSBC's support of education in every country in which the Bank operates".

Working together with Ministries of Education, HSBC Bank Middle East and British Councilaim to reach over 25,000 children across 13 countries in the MENA region. The programme involves a variety of school activities alongside public storytelling events, initially for one academic year.

The Kids Read upcoming calendar of events will include celebrations surrounding the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens, one of the UK's most prolific and influential novelists. As part of a wider campaign to promote a lifelong love of literature, reading and writing, the British Councilhas launched Dickens 2012, a project aiming to use Dickens writing to get a picture of life as it was in his day and to encourage reading and writing through a range of events for children and adults alike.