May 3 is Read Across Jamaica Day

Schools across the island will observe Read Across Jamaica Day on May 3.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, read the proclamation during a brief ceremony at King’s House on April 28.

The annual day, organised by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), aims to promote the importance of literacy.  It is part of activities to mark Education Week 2016 from May 1 to 5.

The Governor-General, in his address, commended the JTA for its continued commitment to the initiative, implemented in 2005.

He emphasised the value of reading in the academic success of students.

 “I encourage all citizens of Jamaica to support the JTA in this venture as we commit the resources of our country to ensure that Jamaica’s children are among the best readers in the world,” the Governor General said.

JTA President, Norman Allen, is urging persons across the island to make use of technology devices as they participate in Read Across Jamaica Day.

 “The advent of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has diversified the reading experience and this year, some of the scores of Jamaicans, who will be reading to our students, could be reading from an electronic device. I urge literate Jamaica to grab a medium; be it a book, a tablet or just your personal telephone device,” he encouraged.

Education Week activities will kick off with a national church service at the Redeemer Moravian Church in Kingston May 1.

Other activities for the week include a Mental Health Issues symposium at Jamaica College on May 2; and Teachers’ Day on May 4.

The week will conclude with the observance of Helen Stills’ Professional Development Day on May 5 at the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara Resorts, Montego Bay.