Govt launches Primary School Libraries initiative to eliminate illiteracy

The Education Ministry to bolster primary school students’ reading capabilities on Monday in observance of World Literacy Day launched the Primary School Libraries initiative at the Grove Primary School, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
World Literacy Day is being observed under the theme, “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”

However, the initiative aims to establish well-resourced libraries in primary schools across the nation, providing students with access to a diverse range of reading materials in multiple languages.
This effort is designed 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 Day.
At the launching ceremony Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) with responsibility for literacy Stembiso Grant explained that the initiative is part of a wider initiative that aims to eliminate illiteracy among children country wide.
“In the past few months, the National Literacy department has been mandated by the minister of education to work towards the elimination of illiteracy in schools as well as in our communities by developing and strengthening our literacy programmes, one of those mandates included providing story books for our children” she stated.

On this point, she highlighted that for the first time in history, primary school learners will be provided with a plethora of storybooks which they can use during their recreational time. According to her, the ministry procured a total of 28 titles of books some of which have a total of 69 books in a series.
“The children at our primary school get all the recommended books that they need however for the first time story books were purchased for primary school libraries and this according to the minister is to ensure that our children can have books which they can read for pleasure and enjoyment” she explained.
Meanwhile, also speaking at the event was Education Minister Priya Manickchand who highlighted the ministry’s commitment towards each child is equipped with the necessary textbooks needed according to their grade level.
“We want to make sure each child in this country has all the textbooks they need, We have bought textbooks for every single child from grades 1-13 individually for your own bookbag and it is the first time that the country has ever had that, I see people my age saying, oh we used to always get textbooks, but that’s not the truth you used to get what is available so if you’re in the line to collect textbooks and math finish you don’t get math” the minister noted.
Further, she explained that she anticipates better academic performance from students since they will now have easy access to all of the required textbooks as well as a plethora of additional reading resources.
“Now every child is getting every textbook they need and we expect to see better results because of that” she stated.
Additionally, Manickchand encouraged the learners to take care of the books, noting that these books will only be replaced every three years. Through this initiative, the ministry has allocated a total of 460 storybooks to each primary school across the country. Moreover, to ensure students actually utilise this resource now available and develop a passion for reading, the Ministry announced that it will be awarded to each child who reads and gives written reports on 100 books they have read.