Born To Read Program

Born To Read program was an initiative to promote reading habit among the communities in Sarawak at the earliest possible stage. It was initiated in 2003. The most practical approach to inculcate reading habit and acculturate knowledge in the society was via the expecting and post natal mothers. This early literacy intervention program was hoped to give a huge boost in the development of a well-informed and knowledge society.

Objectives

1) To increase awareness among parents abut the importance of developing the love for reading at the early stage of a child development
2) to promote the acculturation of knowledge
3) to introduce techniques and approaches in nurturing the love for reading among children

Target Groups

a) Parents
b) Expecting mothers
c) Members of the civil service
d) Employees of private firms
e) Members of non-governmental organisations

Handling of Program

This program was implemented in 5 stages

a) Design and development of Born To Read kit which comprised of an educational video, bag, reading material and notes.
b) Centralised production of the kits.
d) Organisation of awareness seminars at selected districts
e) Delivery of the kits to main distribution centres such as public libraries, government agencies, schools, medical clinics and community centres

Awareness Seminars

Half-day seminars had been successfully held in the following districts throughout the whole lifespan of the program

Southern Region 1) Kuching 2) Bau 3) Lundu 4) Padawan 5) Siburan 6) Asajaya 7) Samarahan 8) Simunjan 9) Serian 10) Sri Aman

Central Region 1) Betong 2) Saratok 3) Sarikei 4) Bintangor 5) Julau 6) Kanowit 7) Sibu Jaya 8) Sibu 9) Mukah 10) Dalat

Northern Region 1) Bintulu 2) Tatau 3) Spauh 4) Bekenu 5) Miri 6) Marudi 7) Long Lama 8) Limbang 9) Lawas

The average number of participants was for each seminar session was 200.

Pioneer Projects

The program pioneer projects were implemented at 4 medical clinics in Kuching and Samarahan district. These clinics were equipped with book shelves, floor mats and 100 books. The reading materials were the public use, particularly parents and visitors to the clinics.

Initial Investment

The cost of the program was expected to be RM206,000.00

a) Design and development of educational video – RM20,000.00
b) Acquisition of Born To Read kits – RM165,000.00
c) Distribution and delivery of Born To Read kits – 11,000.00
d) Payment of honourariums – RM10,000

Restructuring

In 2008, the Born To Read was restructured and renamed One Book A Child program.