Read, Connect, Inspire: BURP 2026
24 August 2026
The Buddy Up Reading Programme (BURP) 2026 is an annual collaboration between SJI and Bendemeer Primary School (BPS).

This year’s event was held on 3 July 2026 in the Founder’s Hall. The programme aims to promote the joy and habit of reading while developing students’ empathy, confidence and appreciation of different perspectives.
Our students from LE101 and FN101 hosted the two classes of Primary five boys and girls. The students from BPS were accompanied by five teachers, who ensured that the BPS students were familiar with the chosen text.
The students participated in Reading Circles, a Readathon and a campus tour. During the Reading Circles, mixed groups discussed an extract from The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho, encouraging close reading, critical thinking and perspective-taking. The Readathon provided students with opportunities to introduce and share their favourite books, inspiring peers to explore new titles and genres. The campus tour further strengthened interaction between the schools.
The programme fostered meaningful friendships, with SJI students serving as big brothers to the BPS students. There was certainly enthusiastic participation, particularly in the Readathon. Overall, BURP successfully promoted reading as a social experience that builds confidence, empathy and meaningful connections between the students from both schools.



