On September 15, Alan Meltzer, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, handed over 13,560 Kyrgyz language books to eight public libraries in Talas oblast. Each public library received a set of 1,695 books featuring tales, stories, riddles, and poetry for young readers. The books were donated under USAID’s Reading Together project, which works to improve reading skills for students in early grades.

The official handover ceremony took place in Talas Oblast Library, and included representatives from the Ministry of Culture, the Talas oblast education department, and Talas public libraries.

Overall, USAID will deliver 145,506 books to 86 public libraries across the Kyrgyz Republic.

Through the Reading Together project, USAID and the Ministry of Education help children advance their reading skills through innovative teaching methods and improved learning materials. The project reaches 60% of primary schools across the country, helping 260,000 students to strengthen their reading skills, and as a result, their prospects for educational success and future earning potential.

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