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Background

The contemporary literary heritage from these communities is rich in ideas and stories spanning the UK, Pakistan and the Diaspora. It speaks directly to everyday experience of multiple identities, political turmoil, of love and loss, social and economic aspirations and redefining constantly what it means to be British, Pakistani and Muslim.

Our Partners

Bradford Literacy Campaign

The National Literacy Trust have established a hub in Bradford to address issues of low literacy over a three year period. Their efforts will be targeted at geographic wards and groups who struggle to access the benefits of good communication skills through a sound grasp of literacy. Their thinking is out of the box and will hopefully develop narratives for those traditionally marginalised.

Bradford Libraries

Their reader development programme already supports 80 reading groups through the city. They have a wealth of experience to maintain the library service as a vehicle for reading pleasure, enhancing educational opportunity and social mobility.

How does it work?

Want an inspiring author to come to your locality?

Get in Touch

We will arrange a suitable date and venue.

Communicate

The key to success is embedding the process within your community.

Invite

Invite stakeholders who are genuinely committed to grassroots organisation.

Talk

We will arrange aDiscuss expectations and keep others informed about events and activities that develop.  suitable date and venue.

Encourage

Get people talking about reading!

Inspire

Those who are already regular readers can act as reading champions. What better way to inspire a child to read for pleasure. 

What can you gain from Kahani?


Schools participating in Kahani and Arooj have reported the following benefits for pupils:

  • An increase in levels of literacy.
  • Improved performance in reading, writing and maths. 
  • Higher self-confidence and self-esteem.
  • An increased willingness to speak publicly.
  • Heightened participation and engagement in classroom activities.
  • Greater parental engagement and better attendance.

Pupils with English as an additional language (EAL) progress by recognition of the following factors.

These are all recognised within the framework document for the new national curriculum.

  • The importance of understanding family background.
  • The need to understand how language is a key aspect of learning across the curriculum. 
  • The need to understand what children bring to classrooms in terms of their learning. 
  • What would be classified as their funds of knowledge. 
  • The importance of talk for learning.

Kahani develops literacy through the expansion of this cultural knowledge.

Other Benefits

The new KS2 history option on early Islamic civilisation provides a platform for greater cultural understanding. This is fully resourced through the Kahani materials.

It provides a living model for discussing religious education. It contributes to a rounded appreciation of the contemporary Islamic experience in the UK. This is of great benefit to students and families discussing faith and its relevance to relations with differing communities.

International and local linking activities. Kahani can facilitate work with schools and charitable projects working in the UK and across the Islamic world.

These activities are recognised by OFSTED as providing rich and stimulating experiences that allow students to develop an inclusive and global perspective on all aspects of the curriculum.

Schools can provide a culturally sensitive curriculum that acknowledges and supports the background of their families. This can inspire pupils to the highest expectations. Recent controversies have shown how this needs to be continually reinforced.


Mike Pope

Headteacher, Lidget Green Primary School

The books have been well used by children and have provided them with valuable information and further insight into their faith, culture and home language.  The high literary quality have helped the children to  gain a much deeper appreciation of their own  culture as well as well as exposing them to other cultures from around the world.  The opportunity to read books that may present a viewpoint different from their own, also helps to promote healthy debate and discussion and this can only be a good thing.

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Trish Gavin

Principal, Whetley Academy

It’s fantastic to have the Kahani Reading Project as a resource for Bradford. The events such as author presentations provide cultural enrichment that Bradford can be proud of. We have stocked our library with many of the varied titles. 

The project brings together a wide range of high quality beautifully illustrated reading material for children as well as books which parents will enjoy. 

I would strongly encourage anyone who is interested in reading and expanding their horizons to find out more and get involved.

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