Cover By encouraging reading time, we can lay the groundwork for a generation equipped with the skills and emotional intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of modern life (Photo: Getty Images)
By encouraging reading time, we can lay the groundwork for a generation equipped with the skills and emotional intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of modern life (Photo: Getty Images)
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Hong Kong ranks 49th out of 57 countries in reading confidence among Primary 4 students. Here’s how schools, parents and the libraries can step up
It’s never too early to start building resilience, empathy and strong communication skills. And in today’s world, children need these things more than ever because success is no longer defined solely by academic achievements, it is also about being well-rounded individuals. One of the ways one can strive towards that is by reading books—not just textbooks—that can become a gateway to new ideas, thereby igniting that spark of creativity.
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The current literacy landscape of Hong Kong
Above Let’s invest in our children’s futures through the powerful act of reading (Photo: Getty Images)
Let’s invest in our children’s futures through the powerful act of reading (Photo: Getty Images)
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Studies over the past few years have revealed Hong Kong’s literacy landscape as mixed. Findings from The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), which is conducted every five years, have shown that while Hong Kong students rank high in terms of reading literacy, when it comes to reading confidence and reading interest, there are shortcomings.
In 2021, the city ranked 49th out of 57 locations in reading confidence among Primary 4 students, indicating that while children are capable readers, many lack the confidence. More alarmingly, parental engagement in reading activities ranked 56th.
The statistics reveal that only 16 per cent of Hong Kong parents engage in preschool literacy activities, compared to 74 per cent globally. This disparity underscores the need for a concerted effort to prioritise reading within families in order to rebuild a strong reading culture, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.
Building a stronger literacy foundation
To foster this reading confidence, multiple stakeholders must come together. Schools can play a pivotal role by encouraging participation in readathons and developing literacy programmes that focus on both Chinese and English literacy in Hong Kong. This dual emphasis is crucial, given the diverse linguistic landscape of the city.
Then there are charitable organisations like Bring Me A Book Hong Kong which, since its inception in 2006, has been serving children who do not have access to quality reading material by sharing picture books with them and organising “reading out loud” sessions.
Of course, parents have a big role to play too. “Parents are instrumental in shaping a child’s mind in the early years, and if parents don’t show an interest in reading, their kids might not either,” says Jeannie Leung, executive director of Bring Me A Book Hong Kong.
We see a disconnect between the parent and the child as they are fixated on their respective phones.
“I see how fixated kids are on their phones. Meanwhile, their parents and caregivers who are accompanying them are absorbed in their own phones, so we are seeing this increasing disconnect between the parent and the child.”
Leung adds that buying a book for your child is not enough: parents should build the habit of reading with their kids, making it a cherished family habit. “Hong Kong parents’ mindsets need to change. They think of reading as a means to pass an exam, but we want to inculcate the habit of reading for pleasure in kids and adults.”
Also read: How Hong Kong parents are raising respectful sons
ReadConnect: A movement for change
Above Inside Hong Kong Book Fair 2024 (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay / Tatler Hong Kong)
Inside Hong Kong Book Fair 2024 (Photo: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay / Tatler Hong Kong)
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To build a habit of reading among toddlers, Bring Me A Book Hong Kong is holding a year-long initiative called ReadConnect. This community event aims to change the narrative around books by organising author visits, storytelling sessions, seminars and bookmaking workshops.
As part of the programme, the NGO held a public literacy seminar in March at Hong Kong Central Library, titled How Reading Improves Children’s Concentration and Executive Functions, conducted by paediatrician Dr Fanny Lam, who works with Matilda International Hospital, Gleneagles Hong Kong Hospital and Union Hospital. In her talk, Lam emphasised how reading from a young age not only helps a child’s imagination but also hones their motor skills; holding books, turning pages and pointing to words or pictures have been proven to improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Reading from a young age improves dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Bring Me A Book Hong Kong is also hosting a Family Day on April 27. As part of Hong Kong Public Library’s Reading Week, they have organised a reading session on a tram, as well as an author meet-and-greet session and a bookmaking workshop.
Leung says, “We have chosen some picture books by Hong Kong authors such as Rachel Ip and Benny Lau, whose stories are set in the city, so that kids can have an immediate sense of connection with the story. Ip’s book talks about and illustrates the plants in Hong Kong, while Lau’s book is about a dog who lives in Peng Chau. Both stories can help kids see their city in a new light.”
Why we must act now
Fostering a love of reading among Hong children is crucial to shaping their future. By embracing initiatives like ReadConnect and prioritising family reading time, we can lay the groundwork for a generation equipped with the skills and emotional intelligence needed to navigate life’s complexities. Engaging in reading together can transform not just individual lives, but the community as a whole, creating a more connected and literate society.
Suchetana Mukhopadhyay is the Digital Content Manager for Tatler Hong Kong. In this role, she leads all digital editorial and branded content on Tatler Hong Kong’s website, from brainstorming story ideas with the writers to editing and publishing the articles, and from managing the overall content flow to driving search engine optimisation. She also leads the beauty content at Tatler Hong Kong and across the region, and is always looking to champion diversity through her articles. She was previously with Cedar Hong Kong and Gafencu, and freelanced for the South China Morning Post, Campaign Asia-Pacific, CNN and more. Contact her here.
