Reading and service | Aga Khan Academies

Reading and service

23 August 2022

On 22 August 2022, the Aga Khan Academy Maputo's Grade 6 and 7 students combined two of their favourite things: reading and service. 

During the week, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) students partnered up with a Grade 1 and Grade 2 student in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) as reading buddies to serve and support the Academy's younger students as they learn and grow as readers.

“We made a connection and learnt a lot by helping our PYP partners," said Grade 6 student Ansh Mehta. "We enjoyed giving back to help others.”

With this, the MYP students act not only as reading buddies, but mentors to the PYP students as they will listen to them read, offer support, read to them and, most importantly, help them enjoy reading.  

Grade 2 student Makomborero Muhwati said she enjoyed reading with her buddy as it enhanced her knowledge on Portuguese and English. 

"It was fun because I could choose any book for my reading buddy to read to me in Portuguese or English and that helps me learn a lot," Makomborero said. 

Vice Principal of Junior School and PYP Coordinator Emma Wheatley said this initiative benefits both PYP and MYP students. 
 

"We especially love this project as it combines important skills such as service, leadership and coaching with the fundamental skill of reading, making it a project where everyone involved benefits from the opportunity," Emma said. "Plus, we get to read some really wonderful books together!"