ONE of the most critical life skills a human being must possess in order to survive in the modern world is the ability to read. Being able to read opens the mind to limitless possibilities. Reading allows individuals to significantly enlighten themselves with the exploration of new words and the exchanging of ideas. 

It is very important that persons learn to read from an early age, in order to properly furnish themselves with the critical knowledge necessary for their personal development as literate people. The Ministry of Education (MoE) is very cognisant of the need for Guyanese to read more as it seeks to considerably raise the literacy level from its current unacceptable state. Moreover, MoE is presently putting measures in place to reverse the blight of illiteracy in Guyana through an innovative reading programme.

IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING TO READ
As have been stated earlier, reading is important to a person’s ability to communicate more effectively and to become literate. Pretorius (2000) asserts in a study conducted at the University of South Africa that: “Research findings in applied linguistics and reading research consistently show a strong correlation between reading proficiency and academic success at all ages, from the primary school right through to university level: students who read a lot and who understand what they read usually attain good grades.”
It can also be argued further that the intrinsic relationship between reading and learning commences even earlier in the lives of children in their pre-primary school years. Studies have also suggested that children who are exposed to storybook reading before they enter primary school tend to have larger vocabularies, greater general knowledge and better conceptual development than their peers, who might not have been exposed to such formative learning attributes, and in addition they learn to read and write more easily and quickly.
Being able to read makes one literate. Reading is a skill that is always utilised and is a necessary tool for personal development and progress. There is no sphere of life that does not require reading. Such is the importance of reading that even those who are physically challenged and are unable to see, still read through a specially constructed system called Braille.
There ought to be no excuses as to why persons have not learned to read and are not reading. Reading must once again form part of the general socialisation process of children in Guyana, as they grow and learn the norms and values of the society in which they live.
The MoE will soon be launching a sustainable nationwide reading programme to be run on weekends, to get Guyanese children to read and read more frequently and effectively. And because the ministry recognises the importance of reading, it intends to encourage parents to make reading – through its complementary reading programme – a priority in every household and community in Guyana.

ROLE OF PARENTS IN TEACHING CHILDREN TO READ
Parents and guardians have a very important role to play in teaching the children for whom they are responsible to read. It is advisable to encourage children to become familiar with letters, words and ultimately books from an early age. Parents and guardians must read daily to children and tutor them in the recognition of letters and the spelling of words. These activities provide the indomitable foundation necessary for successful reading to take place. It also facilitates among young children the early development of an appreciation for the importance of reading.
There is, though, a very realistic challenge that faces the Ministry of Education even as it gets prepared to launch its reading programme. That challenge surrounds the inability of some parents to read. This clear and present danger is real in the Guyanese society and must be frontally approached and dealt with strategically in order to stem the bloom of illiteracy that threatens the society.
Conversely, even if parents cannot read to their children there are other simple ways in which those parents can ensure that their children get involved with reading. Parents can provide positive experiences for their children by telling stories of their lives, from their imagination, or from pictures in wordless books. Parents can interact with children and books in a variety of creative ways that can foster the interest in children in wanting to learn to read.
Parents can make sure they have their children become members of local libraries in their communities. Learning to read will require the involvement at the community level. Neighbours, relatives and friends need to partner with the ministry in reaching out to those persons desirous of learning to read, and actually assist them in so doing. The Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring that Guyanese read again.
All must become part of this revised movement of reading. Let us encourage each other to read: Everyday!

RICHARD FRANCOIS
Strategic Communications Consultant
Ministry of Education