Students Encouraged to use Libraries during Summer Holiday
June 26, 2012The Full Story
Minister of Education, Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites, is encouraging students to utilise the services of libraries, especially during the summer holiday, to keep their minds occupied.
He said even though some students may be going to summer school during the holidays, the libraries islandwide are integral, as they contain a wide array of books which cater to all age groups.
The Minister was speaking at the Rose Gordon Kindergarten and Preparatory School’s annual book-fair and reading competition, held at the institution, in Kingston on June 26.
Rev. Thwaites said that with so many libraries located strategically across the island, the children can ask for permission to access the facilities to read and broaden their knowledge.
The Minister argued that students, who go to the library and use their time wisely, will become better readers, while developing their words.
“The most important thing that you can do right now, is to learn to read…Reading helps you to learn about other people, and reading stories is a wonderful way to have fun,” he said.
Rev. Thwaites encouraged students to consult their dictionaries while reading, so that they can understand what the writer is putting on paper and in the process, increase their vocabulary.
He pointed out that reading from the earliest age possible will play a vital role in various examinations, which the students will take later on in life.
For her part, Principal at the school, Helen Thomas, encouraged the students to continue reading, as this is key to their development.
The 6th annual book fair and reading competition was held under the theme: ‘Read is to Lead’, and was staged in association with Carlong Publishers (Caribbean) Limited.
Throughout the day, reading sessions and spell off competitions were conducted. There were also fashion shows and a Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) showcase by the students. Books were also sold by Carlong Publishers and Sangsters Bookstore.
By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter