This competition targeting children, aged from seven to 11, is an ongoing one that started in February and will last until October. Several groups of children will be involved every six weeks until October. Then, “The reading voyage” will leave the stage to another theme “The mission”.

For Simon Ingram-Hill, the director of British Council Mauritius, the competition has been a success. “Reading is one of most essential things in a child’s life. This why competitions such as ‘the reading challenge’ are organised and will continue in the future…” The British Council does not mean to stop there. It is organising a book donation to Black River Government School in the context of the Literacy and numeracy project, which began in 2004.

As in every competition, “the reading challenge” has its regulations. But, otherwise, it has tools to develop the reading abilities of young readers thanks to a wide range of core materials given to them such as bookmarks, promotional stickers, pencils, reading compass and fridge magnets. Moreover, the reader’s development is achieved through communication. Indeed communication between parents and children, special events or displays of reviews and pictures are organised. Meanwhile, the children benefit from the Knowledge and Learning Centre of the British Council where they can discuss about their books and attend linked activities. They also learn how to develop the necessary skills to take advantage of the library…