Reading habits are gradually fading away, especially among pupils, in the context of strong technological development. Most of them only read when necessary for their studies, while a few are truly passionate.

In order to promote reading culture in schools, Da Nang continues to organize the contest "Da Nang Reading Culture Ambassador" in 2025, contributing to spreading the love of books and raising awareness of the value of reading among pupils.

Many fascinating activities related books are held at schools in Da Nang

Current status of reading books among pupils

In the era of strong development of digital technology, reading habits among pupils are gradually changing. Access to information has become easier than ever thanks to online platforms, but at the same time, it has also made many pupils gradually move away from books. Currently, most pupils only read when necessary for their studies, while a few maintain a regular reading habit for their own enjoyment.

In a survey of 500 students of pupils at a junior high school in Da Nang, it was found that up to 70% of them only read books when required by the subject, while only 15% maintain a regular reading habit. The main reason comes from the increasing pressure of studying, causing the time spent on reading to be narrowed.

An 8^th grader shared "I really like reading books but don't have much time. I go to school in the morning, extra classes in the afternoon, and do homework in the evening, so it is very rare to be able to read a whole book".

An 11^th grader also said "I still read books but not often. Sometimes I borrow books from the school library but the time spent on books is not as much as studying and surfing social networks".

However, many pupils and parents are still interested in reading culture. Some families try to create a reading environment for their children by taking them to the library on weekends or encouraging them to read before bedtime.

Mrs. Trinh Thi Mai residing in Lien Chieu District said "Although I am busy, I always try to take time to take my children to the Da Nang General Library every weekend so that they have more opportunities to read books".

"During the school year, I don't have much time to read, but in the summer, outside of extra classes, I will take the time to read books or go to the library to find good books", a 10^th grader stated.

Continuing journey of reading culture

On March 12, 2025, the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports issued Decision 121/KH-SVHTT on organising the contest "Da Nang Reading Culture Ambassador" in 2025. This is an annual activity to arouse the passion for reading, develop thinking and language skills for pupils, and contribute to improving the quality of education in the context of current renovation.

Over the past six years, the contest has increasingly affirmed its role in spreading reading culture. In 2024, the contest’s organisers received more than 45,162 entries, demonstrating the great attraction of the event.

This year’s contest continues to be implemented with many attractive contents, creating opportunities for pupils to promote their writing skills and creativity, and share their feelings about books.

Many schools citywide have quickly implemented reading promotion plans to prepare for the contest.

In particular, the Nguyen Trai and Nguyen Hien senior high schools have issued plans to organise the school-level contest, attracting a large number of pupils. Related activities such as introducing books and writing reviews about favourite books have also been promoted to select outstanding entries.

Tran Thi Hoai Thu, a 12^th grade pupil at the Nguyen Trai Senior High School, shared "I participated in last year’s contest and realised that I have matured a lot. This year, I continue to register because this is a great opportunity to develop myself and spread the love of books to everyone".

With the response from pupils, teachers and parents, this year's contest promises to continue to be successful, contributing to developing reading culture, and helping pupils proactively access knowledge, and develop creative thinking and research skills.

Reporting by TH.NHIEN, B.LAM - Translating by MAI DUNG