In response to Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21), Good Neighbors International collaborated with schools in project areas to organize the 2026 Reading Festival series, attracting the participation of thousands of students and teachers.

The program not only created a meaningful reading space but also helped inspire a love for reading, creative thinking, and proactive learning skills among students.

In the context of rapid digital development, where children can access information instantly through electronic devices, maintaining reading habits has become a major challenge. Through this series of activities, however, GNI hopes to provide students with opportunities to slow down, read, reflect, explore knowledge, and nurture their imagination through books.

Launching the series on April 17, 2026, the Reading Festival was first organized in the Quang Binh Community Development Project area with the participation of 588 students and teachers from five primary and lower secondary schools. Coordinated by GNI and Bang Lang Secondary School, the event featured various engaging activities centered around reading culture in the digital age.

At the festival, students participated in speech presentations, discussions, and sharing sessions about the role of books and the impact of technology on reading habits. In addition, many creative experience spaces such as reading corners, drawing activities, book reflection writing, and handmade bookmark workshops were organized to help students connect with reading in a more vivid and engaging way.

Following the success in Quang Binh, GNI continued organizing the Reading Festival at Dai Phu Secondary School and Chi Thiet Primary & Secondary School in the Son Duong Community Development Project area, with the participation of more than 1,600 students and teachers. Five themed experience zones were set up, including life skills, science and discovery, literature, comics, and creative interaction spaces.

Students not only read books but also joined interactive activities such as answering questions, writing reflections, making handicrafts, and completing challenges at each booth to collect “experience stickers.” This approach increased interaction and motivated students to actively explore and participate throughout the program.

In addition to the experience activities, the festival also featured musical performances, book knowledge exchanges, and lucky draw activities, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere for both students and teachers.

Through the 2026 Reading Festival series, GNI hopes to contribute to building and sustaining reading habits among children while creating more opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and comprehensive learning skills. The program also reflects GNI’s commitment to promoting children’s access to quality education and enhancing the spiritual well-being of children in project areas.