The Social Protection Ministry, in collaboration with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA); the Maternal and Child Health Unit; and the National Library, on Tuesday launched the first of its kind back-to-basics reading programme.
Themed “Early Experiences Matter”, the reading programme, which was launched at the East La Penitence Health Centre, is aimed at promoting reading as a fun activity.
A toddler eager to engage in the stories found in a book that was given to her
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Social Protection Minister Amna Ally urged parents to take advantage of the programme. She noted that the world was a knowledge-based place where reading was essential and opened children to early academic success.
“This programme has been initiated to lay the foundation in the development of our young children; studies have shown that babies begin absorbing language while still in the womb earlier than previously thought. It is said that sensory and brain mechanisms for hearing are developed at 30 weeks of gestational age, so, therefore, unborn babies can actually listen to their mothers,” Minister Ally told the gathering of mostly mothers.
The objective of the programme is to get children interested in books and reading at an early age. The programme targets children aged 0-3 years.
Adolescent Health Coordinator, Dr Oneka Scott noted that it was expected that the programme would help children to build an interest in books at an early age.
“We cannot forget the importance of reading. I am excited that this programme will expand to a whole host of health centres and everyone will be accessible to it; please, however, I urge you to make reading a part of everyday lives and to make good uses of those books that were given to you. Reading a book once is never the same as reading it 10 times,” Dr Scott noted.
Social Protection Minister Amna Ally reveals a mini-library in the presence of CCPA Head Ann Greene; Adolescent Health Coordinator, Dr Oneka Scott and Chief Librarian Emily King at the launching of the back-to-basics reading programme
The programme is expected to expand, targeting 361 health centres across the country.
A number of storybooks were given to parents who were encouraged to read them to their children, since they were the first educators in a child’s life.
Meanwhile, a mini-library will be set up at all health centres and the books will be available to parents to read to their children while they await their turn to see the doctor on duty. (Yanalla Dalrymple)
