The Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) of the Ministry of Social Protection has launched a ‘Back to Basics’ early childhood development toddlers’ reading programme; and at the One Mile Health Centre in Wismar, Linden on Tuesday, parents of toddlers were reminded that reading forms a fundamental part of a child’s learning process.
Launch of the initiative is the product of close collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health’s Maternal and Child Health Unit and the National Library.
In attendance at the launch were officials of both entities responsible for the
Parents and toddlers at the launch of the toddlers’ reading programme
programme’s genesis, Registration and Licence Officer Duanne McFarane, outgoing Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, and Regional Chairman Renis Morian. Children and parents were well represented.
An attractive toddlers’ bookshelf was unveiled. It is to be utilized when parents and children attend postnatal clinic.
Director of Child Services, Ann Greene, delivering remarks at the occasion, encouraged mothers to support the initiative, and noted that reading plays an important role in a child’s development.
She also urged fathers to get involved in the initiative, and challenged the clinic to establish a “Baby Father’s Day”, when fathers can teach their children to read.
Greene further called on parents to go “back to basics” by teaching children to read on their laps.
The Region 10 Chairman, as well as the outgoing Mayor and the Registration and Licence Officer also delivered remarks at the launch.
The One Mile Health Centre was chosen as the pilot for the programme, but the programme is expected to be established at 361 health centres across the country. Book donations are also encouraged.
