KUCHING – The Bejalai Storyteller Programme has continued its journey in Kuching, arriving at Bodhi Kindergarten as part of the Let’s Read Together 2026 campaign.
The initiative is designed to cultivate a love of reading among young children through interactive storytelling sessions and family-focused activities.
Running from 13 to 17 April, the programme is scheduled to visit 11 kindergartens across the city. Each stop offers children the chance to experience lively storytelling designed to spark imagination and encourage early literacy.
Organisers emphasise that the sessions are not only entertaining but also serve as an important step in building lifelong reading habits.
One of the highlights of the programme is the distribution of storybooks to younger siblings, allowing them to take home souvenirs from the library.
These books are intended to encourage families to continue reading together, reinforcing the idea that literacy is best nurtured within the home environment.
By extending the experience beyond the classroom, the campaign aims to strengthen family bonds through shared learning.
The Bejalai Storyteller Programme has been praised for its creative approach to literacy development. Storytellers employ interactive techniques to capture children’s attention, making the sessions engaging for different age groups.
This method reflects broader efforts across Malaysia to modernise reading campaigns and adapt them to younger audiences who are increasingly exposed to digital platforms.
Education advocates in Sarawak have long highlighted the importance of early literacy as a foundation for academic success.
Programmes such as Let’s Read Together 2026 are seen as vital in bridging the gap between formal education and community involvement.
By bringing storytelling directly into kindergartens, the campaign ensures that children are introduced to books in a familiar and supportive setting.
The initiative also resonates with Sarawak’s cultural heritage, where oral storytelling has historically played a role in community life.
Integrating this tradition into modern educational programmes reflects a balance between preserving heritage and promoting contemporary literacy strategies.
Parents and teachers in Kuching have welcomed the programme, noting that it provides both entertainment and educational value.
The distribution of books is particularly appreciated, as it ensures that the benefits of the sessions continue at home.
Organisers believe that these small but meaningful steps contribute to building a society where reading is viewed as enjoyable and accessible.
With the tour continuing across multiple kindergartens, the Bejalai Storyteller Programme is expected to reach hundreds of children in Kuching.
As part of the wider Let’s Read Together 2026 campaign, it represents a collective effort to instil a passion for reading and strengthen family participation in education.
