A GROUP of University of Guyana (UG) students yesterday embarked on a one-day book drive to promote literacy at several orphanages, mainly within the city. The project titled ‘Educating Children, Helping Others’ (ECHO), was part of the students’ ENG 123 coursework and aims to promote literacy as a tool to combat social ills in society.

First-year biology student and coordinator of the exercise, Vickita Nandan said the book drive is in response to the national need to address the problem of illiteracy, particularly among the less fortunate.

Nandan, along with group members Christina Karamchand, Subraj Singh, Kirk Jarvis, Nandanie Jerry, Dennon Lewis and Reshma Persaud donated in excess of 800 volumes to children at the Shaheed Boys and Girls orphanages, the Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre, and the Sophia Care Centre.    

Nandan urged the children to make reading a habit, noting that it is the first step on the journey to becoming the successful person they aspire to be in life. She noted that it is a process through which students expand their horizon of learning, become informed citizens and make wise decisions.

She also impressed upon the orphans that reading does not only aid in building students vocabulary but also provides them with vital communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and negotiation skills.

The project which is being executed under the Heptagon Research Agency, a body formed for the completion of the ENG 123 course at UG, also involves monitoring the use of the books as well as the progress being made to improve the literacy standard of the children at the targeted orphanages.

Nandan is also hoping that the effort of her group will provide the impetus for more private and public sector organizations to get on board the drive to empower the vulnerable populace through education and, by extension, make Guyana a more literate nation.