Aga Khan Foundation presents new Kyrgyz language children's books.

Twenty-five new Kyrgyz language children's books have been formally presented at the National Children's Library today by the Aga Khan Foundation, Kyrgyz Republic (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). The development, publication, and distribution of children's books as well as the establishment of mini-libraries in rural communities falls under AKF's Reading for Children Project (RfC) which operates in Naryn and Osh Oblasts. The event was attended by more than fifty people, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, the National Commission of State Language, the Book Chamber, and kindergarten teachers from Bishkek. The strong participation is indicative of the country's commitment to early childhood development, particularly for early reading. Research conducted by AKF before the launch of the Project found that the majority of parents did not read regularly with their children. The same research showed that there were very few books available for younger children and virtually none in the Kyrgyz language. In response, AKF began working closely with well-known writers and illustrators to develop and publish children's books under RfC Project to cultivate the language and literacy skills of young children and instil an enthusiasm for reading."Books and libraries play a central role in all educational initiatives of AKDN as they not only facilitate cognitive development of individuals but, ensure that the rich heritage of the national culture endures," said Nurjehan Mawani, head of AKDN Representation for the Kyrgyz Republic. Since 2007, AKF has developed and published 25 original titles, distributed more than 30,000 books, established 21 mini-libraries, and trained 100 librarians and facilitators. The Project benefits more than 4,000 children and parents across the country. In addition, ten new book titles are currently under development.In addition to developing books, the RfC Project also organizes activities at the rayon- and Oblast-level to promote reading. For example, the Annual Book Festival, participants demonstrate their creativity in a variety of contests where they are awarded prizes for "Best Reader of the Year", "Most Active Parents", and "Best Facilitator of the Year." Shahid Punjani, AKF's Chief Executive Officer in the Kyrgyz Republic noted that, "Beneficiaries, even in the country's most remote villages, have shown tremendous interest in the Project. Parents very quickly notice the positive impact that reading has on the development of their children. It therefore comes as no surprise that there is growing demand for children's books and libraries in Kyrgyzstan".The Project is implemented with the support of national and local government authorities as well as the Canadian International Development Agency.

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