The University of Guyana Library, on Monday, July 20, 2026, officially launched its 18th Annual Reading is Fun Programme at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. The literacy-focused initiative, being hosted in collaboration with Unicomer Guyana through its Courts Optical division, will benefit 95 children between the ages of 7 and 11 from surrounding communities including Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Industry and neighbouring areas. Running until August 7, 2026, this is the largest cohort since the initiative began in 2003.
Delivering her remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, celebrated the continued growth of the programme, noting that this year’s enrolment is the highest in its history. She thanked Unicomer Guyana and Courts Optical for their steadfast partnership and commitment to supporting literacy and child development over the years. The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to the parents, guardians and family members who entrusted their children to the University, as well as the staff and volunteers whose dedication continues to make the programme a success.
Acting University Librarian, Dr Simone Bernard, reflected on the programme’s humble beginnings, explaining that it was born from a simple observation that there were children in Sophia who wanted to read, deserved the opportunity to read, but lacked the support to do so. She noted that University staff, students and volunteers came together to respond to that need, creating what has since become one of the University’s most cherished community outreach initiatives.
Dr Bernard shared that since its inception, the programme has reached 1,073 children from surrounding communities, many of whom are now young adults carrying forward the skills and confidence they developed through the initiative.
Representing Principal Education Officer, Mr Immanuel Bridgewater, District Education Officer, Ms Deborah Hutson, reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting literacy across Guyana. She emphasised the importance of reading as a lifelong skill and encouraged parents to continue nurturing reading habits at home while urging the children to take full advantage of the opportunities provided through the University of Guyana’s programme. She also commended the University and its partners for their continued investment in children’s education.
Courts Optical Brand Manager, Mr Ricardo Semple, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to read without vision challenges becoming a barrier. He announced that all participating children will once again receive free eye examinations and that those requiring corrective lenses will be provided with free eyewear. “No child should miss out on a good story because of eye problems,” he said, while encouraging the children to continue reading and learning. He also highlighted the opening of Courts Optical’s newest location at the Royal Mall as part of the company’s continued investment in eye care services.
Beyond reading, the programme offers educational excursions, basic computer skills, poetry, storytelling and other creative learning activities. Trained literacy teachers, together with University library staff and volunteers, guide participants through engaging sessions designed to strengthen reading skills, build confidence and inspire a lifelong love for learning.
The Reading is Fun Programme remains one of the University of Guyana’s flagship community outreach initiatives and reflects the University’s commitment to advancing literacy, education and national development through meaningful partnerships and service to communities
