The University of Guyana, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, launched its 17th Annual ‘Reading is Fun’ programme at the UG Library, Turkeyen Campus. The literacy-focused initiative is once again supported by Unicomer Guyana, specifically its Courts Optical division, and will benefit over 90 children from surrounding communities such as Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Industry, and other areas.
The programme, which will run until August 7, 2025, continues to fulfil its mission of strengthening literacy and fostering a love for reading among vulnerable children between the ages of 7 and 11. This year, as in previous years, trained literacy teachers, with assistance from library staff of the University, have volunteered their time and expertise to deliver the programme’s activities.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, expressed gratitude to Unicomer Guyana for its consistent partnership over the years, especially through its Courts Optical and Courts Inc. divisions, which continue to invest in the development of communities. She also extended thanks to the UG Library team and all volunteers for their commitment to this transformative initiative.
Managing Director of Unicomer Guyana, Ms. Gillian Matthews, shared her pleasure at being part of the programme, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the University of Guyana and its work in uplifting children and communities. She noted how proud she was to see the impact the initiative continues to have and pledged her support for its continuation.
Beyond reading, the programme includes educational excursions, basic computer skills, poetry, and other creative activities. Children are grouped and guided through sessions by experienced facilitators drawn from the University’s library and trained teaching staff.
Chief Librarian, Ms. Debra Lowe, shared that the library is once again excited to host the Reading is Fun programme and looks forward to seeing the children grow in their reading skills. She urged the children to: “Put your best into everything you do during the next three weeks and have fun reading.”
The Reading is Fun programme remains one of UG’s hallmark community outreach initiatives and reflects the University’s commitment to national development through education, training and experiential learning.
