Minister Launches Primary School Libraries Program

PRESS RELEASE

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, officially launches Primary School Libraries programme

(September 9, 2024) – In a landmark move to enhance literacy and promote a love for reading among young pupils, the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand officially launched the Primary School Library Programme. The programme is a testimony of the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring every child in Guyana has access to quality reading materials and educational resources.

As part of this major initiative, the Ministry has invested in equipping Primary School libraries across the country with a diverse and engaging collection of books. The aim is to inspire a lifelong passion for reading while developing critical thinking and creativity in students from a young age. The hope is that it will help learners also with being proficient in the area of literacy.

During her address, Minister Manickchand emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote literacy as a key foundation of education. "We recognize that the ability to read fluently and think critically is essential for success, both in school and in life," said the Minister. "By making these books available to our children, we are not only investing in their academic future but also in the development of their imagination and self-confidence."

The libraries will feature a wide range of beloved literary works such as Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Harry Potter, The Babysitters' Club, The Chronicles of Narnia and Captain Underpants, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and more.

This initiative represents the Ministry’s firm belief that every child deserves access to knowledge and the opportunity to excel. These libraries will serve as vital resources in primary schools, providing safe and inclusive spaces for children to discover the joys of reading. By promoting literacy at this foundational level, the Ministry is helping to cultivate the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators in Guyana.

Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Department of Education- Region 9 launches Library for Macushi primary school central Rupununi in honour of World Literacy Day.

It is a significant step towards enhancing educational resources and promoting multilingual literacy, the Ministry of Education's National Literacy Department has launched the Primary School Libraries initiative.

In addtion the Department of Education hosted Reading Jamboree 2024 to observe celebration of World Literacy Day, themed "Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace."

Several schools participated in several activities in Math ,Sciences, English games ,word search and other educational games.

This initiative coordinated by the Regional Literacy Officer Ms.Jean Larose and the Regional Education team was aimed to foster a love of reading from an early age and support the development of literacy skills in various languages, reflecting the global theme of this year’s World Literacy .

The Regional Chairman, Mr.Bryan Allicock in his feature address encouraged the learners and their parents to read daily and indulge in Literacy activities and to develop skills in reading to enhance their knowledge in reading and understanding. He emphasized that a literate nation is a wealthy nation.He also remind the pupils that September month is observed as Education and Amerindian Heritage Month. He also said that all all learners at every levels of education should learn to read .

The Reading Jamboree was held for the first time in South Central sub- district and will be spread across the other sub-districts. The importance of Multilingual Education especially in hinterland schools will foster mutual Understanding and togetherness ,sharing of culture and traditions.

The library will be accesible to all learners to enhance and improve their reach to all types of genres of books, opening the minds of learners and taking them places through stories and reading.

All schools across the region will be eqipped with a library ,text books and work books for each level.

The Regional Chairman also visited several ongoing projects in the village, he was accompained by Toshao Frederick and Deputy Toshao of Shulinab Village.

The Regional Democratic Council Region #9 will continue to collaborate with the Department of Education in promoting Literacy and delivering quality education to all learners across the region .

(Norma Griffith-Information Officer RDC #9)