Duong Quang Minh, a teacher from the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, came up with the idea for this campaign. The goal is to help parents integrate a reading habit into their children’s daily routines. The campaign provides practical guidance and a roadmap that has been proven successful in many families.
The program is divided into several sessions that will take place throughout 2024. It will kick off with 12 interactive workshops scheduled from January 1 to February 7.
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| Le Thi Thuy Phuong reads a book with her daughter in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
Following the introductory workshop, parents are encouraged to participate in a competition to create a reading corner within their homes.
“Creating this space doesn’t require a lot of shopping or a big investment. It can be done with items that are already available in the household,” said Minh.
“Having a designated book corner in each home has been proven to significantly increase children’s engagement in reading.”
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| A reading nook created by Do Quang and his son from Phu Tho Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
Many parents have shared their participation in the competition on the campaign’s Facebook community page, showcasing the joy their children find in the world of books.
Do Quang, from Phu Tho Province in the north, created a reading space in his home using old mattresses, worn-out curtains, and his mother’s shelves.
“I shared the idea with my son, and he was excited to help me bring it to life,” said Quang.
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| Pham Thi Hoai Anh’s son enjoys a book at a reading corner in their house in Hanoi. Photo: Supplied |
“My son joined me in every step of the process, from measuring and cutting fabric to making cushions, setting up bookshelves, and arranging books.
“When children are involved and excited about something, they willingly engage in the experience.
“Through this activity, I’ve noticed that my son has become more motivated and interested in reading.
“Children also learn the importance of repurposing items to save resources and develop perseverance in achieving their goals.”
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| Vu Thuy Nga’s child takes a book from a shelf in their house in Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
Pham Thi Hoai Anh, from Hanoi, turned the stairs leading to her children’s bunk bed into a bookshelf and reading corner. She believes that the number of books in a home is not as important as the joy and bonding that parents and children experience while reading together.
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| Le Dung reads books with her children in Ha Nam Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Supplied |
Vu Thuy Nga, from Ninh Binh Province, created a bookshelf for her daughter using leftover wood from tables and chairs donated by a colleague. Seat cushions were made from her husband’s old furniture.
“My daughter is delighted with her book space,” said Nga.
“Every morning, she eagerly goes to the book corner, choosing which books to read instead of reaching for toys like she used to.
“After each reading session, she helps me rearrange the books, making sure they are in the right order.”
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| A reading nook created by Nguyen Van from Ho Chi Minh City, using an old mosquito net, a second-hand mattress, and a gifted blanket. Photo: Supplied |
Tran Thi My Duyen, from Quang Ngai Province in central Vietnam, created a book niche using a second-hand foam mat puzzle set, a rechargeable lamp, a book basket, and a homemade pillow. The total cost was less than VND300,000 (US$12.22).
“After coming home from school, my child is captivated by the reading corner and spends a lot of time exploring it,” Duyen said.
“Soon after, he grabs a book and immerses himself in reading, often forgetting about watching TV.”
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| Tran Thuy’s husband builds a bookshelf for their son in Hanoi. Photo: Supplied |
