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The University of Guyana Library successfully completed its 15th Annual “Reading is Fun” Programme, which is aimed at improving the literacy rate of students between the ages of 6-13 from the neighbouring communities of both the Turkeyen and Tain Campuses.
This year’s programme which was dubbed a tremendous success began on July 10, 2023, and lasted for three weeks and saw thirty students from Turkeyen Campus and a similar amount from Tain Campus participating.
The students were exposed to Reading, Literature, Arts and Drama. Students from the environs of the Turkeyen Campus were also engaged in guided tours of the Campus, historical sites and monuments around Georgetown.
University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin, was excited to share in the joy with the little learners. The VC said: “It is so important for a champion to be in any child’s life… Anyone that you see that is successful in life, they have had a champion; someone, whether it be a parent, grandmother, pastor, uncle, an older brother or sister, or a teacher in their schools to say get up and go and do this.”
Further, the VC encouraged parents to “push for their children to get opportunities, push for them to be able to see the world and be exposed to different things and other experiences.”
University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin handing out a token to one of the participants
Chief Librarian, Mrs Gwyneth George, noted that the Library is extremely pleased to have hosted the programme again this year for the children and expressed hope that they will use the opportunity to improve their reading and other skills as they move forward in their educational journey.
University of Guyana’s Chief Librarian, Mrs Gwyneth George
Ms Donette Washington, Librarian 1 said: “We all recognised the importance of reading as it is a very important skill to develop, especially at your level, because it takes you to places that you would probably never visit and opens your mind to allow your imagination to soar. ”
Chairperson, Ms Donette Washington, Librarian 1
In bringing the curtains down on the programme,three of the top three National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students who gained the highest scores of 507.7 were invited
to inspire and motivate the participants. Those were: Glasford Archer, Ritisha Gobin and Anaya Jagnandan.
The NGSA top achievers were given an opportunity to share words of inspiration and encouragement with the programme’s participants.
Glasford Archer from Leonora Primary shared: “Here’s a valuable tip to guide you along your path: always listen attentively to those around you, whether it’s your teacher or your parents. They provide great advice and they are there to help you understand things better. Also, don’t forget the joy of reading books in your spare time. It’s not only a way to expand your knowledge but also a source of immense fun. Embrace these habits, and they will lead you to growth and fulfillment on your journey.”
Miss Ritisha Gobin from the Academy of Excellence said: “Firstly, I would like to remind students to study consistently, whether it’s 10 minutes or 30 minutes every day. Trust me, it will make a big difference in the end. Also, make sure to balance your study time and take breaks because, as they all say, all study and no play makes for a dull student. Don’t hesitate to find another way, even if it means using special abbreviations to understand the material. Always remember to believe in yourself.”
Miss Anaya Jagnandan from New Guyana School said: “I want to remind you that you are not here as a joke. You are here for a purpose, and the Lord has a purpose for you… And just remember that you are a promise, you are a possibility, and you are a very big bundle of potentiality. Keep working, keep studying hard, and keep trusting in the Lord.”
Each participant was awarded a certificate along with tokens in recognition of their dedication and willingness to expand their knowledge throughout the three-week programme.
A participant receives a token. (From L to R) Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Ms Bonita Hunter; University of Guyana, Registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande; University of Guyana, Chief Librarian, Mrs Gwyneth George; a participant of the programme; University of Guyana, Vice-Chancellor, XI, Prof. Paloma Mohamed Martin; and the University of Guyana, Deputy Librarian, Debra Lowe.
Deputy Librarian, Ms Debra Lowe (right) hands over a Certificate of Appreciation to one of the trainers of the programme
National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) top performers; (L to R) Glasford Archer of Leonora Primary, Ritisha Gobin of Academy of Excellence and Anaya Jagnandan of New Guyana School
A cultural item being performed by three of the participants
Arts and crafts on display during the closing ceremony
A mother and daughter looking at the creative skills of the participants
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UG IN BRIEF
The University of Guyana, now in its 60th year, was founded in October 1963. “UG” as it is fondly referred to offers 150 programmes plus in over 60 disciplines in online, face-to-face or blended formats. UG delivers in a
Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, P.O. Box 101110, Guyana, South America
“UG” has provided education, training and research for over 50,000 alumni over its 60-year history. UG’s national and global impact and footprint are significant. Its graduates have risen to populate the commanding heights of national, regional and international organisations of repute in over 150 different disciplines. The mission of the University is to discover, generate, disseminate and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the service of the community, the nation, and all mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom, innovation and universal respect.
UG’s forward-thinking Blueprint 2040 is currently setting the course for the University’s future design and institutional response to the changing needs of Guyana, the region and the world. UG is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary and is stepping up its focus on becoming one of the leading and most sought-after educational institutions in the world for both staff and students.
