The ‘GREAT Stories School Tour 2024’ concluded today following a week-long activities showcasing UK creativity through books, literature and theatre whilst promoting

good reading habits among primary school children.

Organised by the British High Commission in partnership with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and supported by the Ministry of Education, the school tour saw a GREAT Stories Mobile Library carrying a collection of English story books visiting five primary schools around Kuala Lumpur, where students had the opportunity to browse and explore the world of English literature.

Additionally, students were also treated to a half-day specially-tailored activities led by the Kuala Lumpur Shakespeare Players. These included an interactive story-reading session and an adapted re-telling of the Shakesperean classic “MacBeth” tailored to suit a young audience.

The campaign was launched by the British High Commissioner to Malaysia Her Excellency Ailsa Terry at the Perpustakaan Kuala Lumpur on 5 February. H.E. Ailsa also travelled to Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK) in Chow Kit and led a story-reading session of her favourite British children’s book with the students there. She then presented a donation of new books for the school’s own library collection.

H.E. Ailsa said: From Harry Potter and MacBeth to Jane Austen and The Lord of the Rings, British stories have captured the imaginations of readers worldwide for centuries and remain an important part of the UK’s rich cultural heritage.

I am really excited about this collaboration with DBKL as it is through stories and books that we are able to explore different perspectives, exchange knowledge and gain greater empathy and understanding. I am delighted that we are able to share this aspect of UK culture with young Malaysians through this initiative.