Lady Allen Commends Students in Reading Marathon

Students who took part in the John Rollins Success Primary School Reading Marathon 2013, on April 10, were commended for their performances by wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Lady Allen.

She said they have given her hope that Jamaica “is going to be the place to live, work, raise our families and do business.”

Lady Allen was delivering the main address at the opening ceremony and launch of I-Pledge and Reading Week at the John Rollins Success Primary School, in St. James. The function was held under the theme: ‘Read today, lead tomorrow’. 

She is the official Patron of the I Promise to Lend Encouragement to Develop Growth in Education (I-PLEDGE) programme, which was established by GraceKennedy Money Services through its brand, Western Union.

Lady Allen reminded the hundreds of students that reading is not just about calling words, but understanding what they are reading.

“I want you all to understand that we are a bright set of people who have come a long way. This opportunity that GraceKennedy is giving you, you have to grab it. Reading is like a key that fits any door and once you are able to read, you are going to do well in all your other subjects,” she told the students.

She challenged all teachers and their students participating in the Reading Marathon, to establish reading clubs in all their schools.

“Use this springboard that you are getting from Grace Kennedy and Western Union to spring into other areas. You have to be creative,” Lady Allen said.

After her presentation, Lady Allen and a large group of ‘substitute teachers’ read to the students.

By Glenis A. Rose, JIS Reporter