Teaching and learning in several interior locations have been given a boost through partnerships involving the Guyana Book Foundation (BGF) and the business community, in observance of Education Month and Amerindian Heritage Month.
The GBF said in a press release that it has donated more than 6,000 supplementary reading books and teachers’ resource materials to nursery, primary and secondary schools in Regions Nine, One and Two.
“In donating these books, our partners-in-literacy believe that if children can read and write, they can learn to do, and be anything. Literacy unlocks the door to a brighter future. Nothing is a better indicator of future success than early literacy,” the GBF said in a statement.
According to the GBF, 48 primary schools, 25 nursery and four secondary schools in Region 9, (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo,) will benefit from North American, Caribbean and locally published foundation books. They are to be transported from Georgetown with the assistance of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in coordination with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA).
Additionally, schools with dormitories in Region One (Barima- Waini) and Wakapoa school dormitory in Region Two will receive books provided through a donation from Republic Bank. Air Services Ltd has partnered with the Foundation to provide transportation of these books to Region One.
“A child who can read and write is given the chance to be a problem solver, a critical thinker, an engaged citizen, a productive worker and a lifelong learner,” added the GBF.
The foundation also seized the opportunity to announce that from October 15 it would open its doors to parents and children so that they can have improved access to books that are meaningful and engaging.
GBF has previously only focused on serving children and teachers through the school system.
Through the support from Canadian Organisation for Development through Education (CODE) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), GBF says it has published 22 new high quality, engaging and culturally relevant titles for young children, youths and teachers.
The GBF, whose mission is to improve literacy among children in Guyana, encouraged schools to strengthen their library holdings through this acquisition so that more children are attracted to reading outside their normal textbooks.
At this time, as the country marks Education Month, GBF said it is celebrating many achievements supporting literacy and learning.
