Prominent educator and National Awardee Ingrid Fung A.A yesterday travelled to Affiance, Essequibo Coast to launch a literacy programme at her former primary school in a personal effort to address illiteracy in Guyana.
The visit came on the heels of her having been a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement, for her years of service and dedication to the field of education, on Thursday evening.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the educator, a special dedication was given to the Taymouth Manor Primary School, which Fung would had attended, and it was fitting that she return to where it all began.
“My country honoured me and today I want to dedicate this award to everyone who has contributed to who I am,” she was quoted as saying.
“I remember a little girl clad in her blue and cream uniform, armed with her slate and pencil, timid with faltering steps, ready to begin her educational journey. Today, that little girl stands before you. She has come full circle. She has come home,” Fung added.
In the statement, it was noted that Fung recognised that there is countrywide issue with literacy and she wanted to make her own contribution in helping to solve the problem. The programme, which was developed after consultations with education officials and teachers of the school, will seek to encourage children to read more.
A component of the programme will also target teachers who will be expected to oversee the programme and play their part.
Further, the Regional Education Department has already expressed hopes of having the programme extended to other schools or, in the interim, having children from other schools participate at the Taymouth Manor Primary.
Retired Education Officer for Region Town Claude Amsterdam has been tasked with overseeing the programme, which is slated to run for a period of six months before steps are taken for its extension.
In brief remarks, Fung reflected on her school days and the many lessons she learnt, all of which would have helped in shaping her life, the statement said.
Among those present at the launching was Marcus Peters, one of Fung’s Primary School teachers, who shared Fung’s reflections on her time at the school.
“He taught me that reading was essential and having a sound vocabulary was critical. I still remember those dictation passages and the consequences. One error, one lash; six errors, six lashes. You have helped in nurturing a good English teacher,” Fung said as she spoke of her former teacher.
She also offered words of encouragement to the students who were present at the launch. “Read until words become your friend. And when you need to find one, they will jump out at you,” she said.
According to the statement, the programme was welcomed by the Head teacher and other teachers of the school, who said it will play a role in lifting the literacy level in the school and community.
Fung, a former Head teacher of the St. Joseph High School in George-town, is a well-known English teacher. She also made the commitment to make occasional visits to the school to monitor the progress made.
