The University of Guyana’s Fifth Annual Reading Programme targeting Grade Five pupils started last week with an Opening Ceremony at the Tain Campus.

According to a press release, the programme targets 60 students from the Tain Primary and Berbice Islamic School and aims at improving their reading skills with a view to assisting them with their preparation for the 2009 assessment. At the opening, Region Six Regional Education Officer (REO) Shafiran Bhajan said “the literacy rate signifies the standard of living in countries.” She said all countries invest in textbooks and change teaching methods in order to boost literacy. Bhajan said too in Guyana there was more access to primary level textbooks and textbooks for every child were assured through the Fast Track Initiative programme.

The REO said technical support had also been offered to enhance literacy levels at every school through the BEAMS programme. Bhajan said she hoped parents and students saw the reading programme as a challenge and took advantage of the opportunity.

UG said the volunteer staff facilitating the programme comprises students from the campus. In preparation for the programme, Acting Deputy Librarian Simmone La Rose and a student conducted a training session for the volunteers, which focused on developing methodologies for teaching reading strategies. Other speakers at the ceremony included acting Director Dr R Thakur and Coordinator of Natural Sciences M Hackett.

UG said donors such as Republic Bank, Poonai’s Pharmacy, Ryan Alexander, O Rampersaud, DDL, A Ally and Sons and the regional education officer contributed to the programme. The programme, which is a component of the library’s community service role, is free. It started on July 14 and will continue until July 31.