The University of Guyana (UG) recently launched its 2024 ‘Reading is Fun’ programme at its Turkeyen Campus library. The programme runs from July 10- July 26, 2023. The initiative aims to support the development of children from surrounding communities and is being supported by Unicomer, in particular its Courts Optical Department.
UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, thanked Unicomer, formerly Courts, for its long-standing support, noting the company’s swift response to the university’s request for collaboration on the initiative.
The VC make known UG university is delighted to be offering this three-week reading programme to the students and expressed hope children will take full advantage of it to improve themselves. The VC further thanked the UG Library team for their dedication towards the project. She added: “We are deeply grateful to the parents for allowing their children to participate in this essential programme.”
Courts Optical Chain Manager, Richard Simpson, echoed similar sentiments as the Vice-Chancellor, emphasising the importance of supporting such initiatives like this, noting that not many universities around the world undertake such efforts. “I am happy to be part of this initiative because of the value it brings to the children in the community,” he said, applauding UG for the programme and pledging his team’s continued support.
In addition to supporting the ‘Reading is Fun’ programme, Courts Optical will also provide free eye tests for all participating children.
UG’s Chief Librarian, Mrs Gwyneth George in her remarks noted that the programme has been running for more than fifteen years and targets ‘vulnerable children’, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 13. She explained that while reading forms the core, the programme extends beyond literacy. There are other activities such as educational excursions, basic computer skills, and creative pursuits like poetry. The youngsters are grouped and guided by expert facilitators from the university’s library. Some forty children are currently participating in the programme.
Meanwhile, a similar programme is being held at the University Tain Campus in which more than thirty children from surrounding communities are participating.
The University of Guyana says it looks ahead with pride at the programme’s initial success and reaffirms its commitment to future initiatives aimed at enriching the lives of children across Guyana.
