Dear Editor,
As per the news, International Literacy Day will be observed globally on September 8. This is the day set aside annually by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to focus on the importance of literacy, both for individual and for national development. It must not be glossed over, and in Guyana, it is rightly being addressed and capitalised upon.
In this regard, the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida (CI) National Library that is housed on the lower flat of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building is hoping to host an in-house reading event to celebrate the said International Literacy Day. It is indeed a commendable gesture. This Stewartville/CI National Library comes under the Ministry of Education and is actually headquartered in the city at the well-known National Library. It is a community-based facility utilised by locals.
Now, all and sundry should pay attention. Why? Because of the necessity of reading, for without the ability to read, too much will be lost. However, still far too many don’t understand just how important student literacy and reading are to student development, starting at a very young age. The American Pediatrics Association reports that reading, when young, even infants being read to by their parents, increases academic success down the road. It is sad indeed that even today, many children enter kindergarten without the skills needed to read well. Therefore, it is crucial that educators help students bridge that skills gap.
The word from Shellon Winclas, Supervisor of this growing Stewartville/CI National Library, the unit is free to join, but as per norm, once a book is borrowed and the 14-day period has expired or the book is damaged or lost, automatically a fee is attached. Winclas noted that both children and adults utilised the Stewartville/CI National Library and they would have more than 50 visitors on a monthly basis. This is most auspicious, and I hope that more and more interest will be generated.
Sincerely,
HB Singh
