The Let's Read Together project, implemented by JAAGO Foundation in partnership with The Asia Foundation, successfully concluded with a closing ceremony held Thursday in a hotel in Banani, Dhaka.
The project aimed to promote safe internet use, productive screen time and digital education for children in five districts of Bangladesh and raised awareness about Let's Read, Asia's premier free digital children's storybook library to over 2500 students and their parents, reads a press release.
The ceremony was attended by more than 70 participants, including youth volunteers, representatives from The Asia Foundation and JAAGO Foundation, and various development organisations such as the US Embassy, the British High Commission, FCDO, Unicef, UN Women, Unesco, Oxfam, Brac, IRI, Save the Children, Action Aid, Water Aid, Teach For Bangladesh and BYLC.
The event was a platform to reflect on the project's successes and challenges, and participants shared lessons learned, success stories and challenges.
District-level volunteers showcased the project experience through creative materials and were presented with certificates for their outstanding work in promoting internet safety and productive screen time in schools and communities of the target districts.
The program ended with a panel discussion and Q&A session that focused on the achievements and challenges of the project, as well as potential sustainability strategies.
A total of three panellists were involved, including Ainee Islam, director of Program Development at The Asia Foundation, Tony Michael Gomes, senior advisor at Oxfam GB, and Esrat Jahan Bani, a leading youth representative of Let's Read Together-Khulna Division.
The panel was moderated by Sourav Saha, deputy manager, Youth Development Program, JAAGO Foundation.
The project participants were proud of their work and happy for an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.
Kazi Faisal Bin Siraj, the country representative for The Asia Foundation's Bangladesh office, highlighted the need for the project, saying: “Many children in developing Asia do not have access to colourful, engaging storybooks that inspire a love of reading and learning. Our Let's Read platform provides dynamic access so kids can read books in ways that fit their learning needs. The Let's Read Together is a special initiative that we partnered with a phenomenal organization – JAAGO Foundation – to create community-based reading programs and successful campaigns on safe internet use and productive screen time among children.”
Korvi Rakshand, the founder of JAAGO Foundation, said: "Collaboration and dedication are the keys to achieving success in promoting safe internet use and digital learning for children. The Let's Read Together project is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations and individuals work together towards a common goal."
The Asia Foundation and JAAGO Foundation are committed to creating opportunities for growth for Bangladeshi children, says the release, adding that both organizations look forward to pursuing similar projects in the future to promote digital education, literacy, and internet safety for children and families.
