Among many other objectives, the British Council aims to promote students' reading habits through a challenge - a Reading Challenge - in a project expected to become a tradition.

This time, the challenge, whose themes vary every year, was based on mystery and espionage, thus being called the Reading Mission.

The Reading Challenge usually takes place within a specific time frame. Inspired by the enthusiasm of Library staff and teachers, students enrol to participate, therefore committing themselves to taking their reading seriously.

Agents, as the students who enrol become known, are to read 6 books by Christmas to complete the mission.

These reading agents receive a reward for each book they read. As proof of having read, they are also requested to hand in reviews or work reflecting opinions or feelings brought about by the books, which may be handed in to teachers or Library staff depending on the approach to the project. These too may be rewarded with little tokens of appreciation.

All participants are entitled to receiving a certificate; those who complete the mission by having read 6 books also receive the corresponding medal.

The project is so successful that many reading agents do not just read 6 books. For example, in Coimbra 180 students took part in the challenge and in Porto, the participation of 281 students resulted in about 1086 books being read during the 9 week period of the challenge.

This deeply gratifying experience resulted in a colourful exhibition with students work and lively certificate and medal ceremonies, in the presence of students, carers and staff.

Mission accomplished!

The Reading Mission is heading to all British Council centres, so that all students have access to this not so impossible mission!

Find out more:

Coimbra  239 853 700
Lisbon  21 321 4500
Parede: 214 587 370
Porto  22 207 3060

“The Reading Mission Summer Reading Challenge TM in Libraries is a Reading Agency initiative supported by leading children’s publishers.”
For more information, visit:
www.readingmission.org.uk
www.readingagency.org