The University of Guyana Library, in collaboration with Courts Guyana Inc., yesterday held the closing ceremony for its 8th Annual “Reading is Fun” programme in the Caribbean Research Library at the University’s Turkeyen Campus. According to the Head (ag) of the Learning Resource Centre, Ms. Donette Washington, the programme was held from July 31, 2012 to August 17, 2012, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9:00 to 12:00 hours. Fifty-eight children from the Sophia area, whose ages ranged from 6 to 13, attended the programme, which aimed at introducing basic reading and writing skills to improve performance levels of students.
Ms. Washington said that after the opening session, the children were placed into five groups which were named after some birds of Guyana.  The groups were chosen using the participant’s grade level at school, after a test was carried out.  Their literacy level ranged from poor, very poor, average, good and very good. The names of these groups were Cock-of the-rock, Canje Pheasant, Toucan, Macaw and Blue-Saki.
She noted that the resource persons were lecturers and students from the School of Education & Humanities, and staff from the University of Guyana Library. The children were taught in areas such as Phonemic Awareness, Phonics (Association with letters and sounds), Literature, Vocabulary, and were even taken on an educational trip to the National Museum.
According to her, the objectives of the programme were fulfilled by the activities in which the students participated. Fulfillment came through their enthusiasm, willingness to learn, participation in the classroom and being innovative. She also said that it was demonstrated by some students’ attendance and punctuality for each session.
Ms. Washington said that the duration of the programme should be extended so as to have the desired impact on participants, and that there was a lack of parental involvement to make them aware of their children’s problems in the classroom. “Interaction with the communities surrounding schools may encourage parents to become involved in their children’s reading,” she noted. Washington said that the “Reading is Fun” programme has helped young learners in the Sophia area to develop language skills necessary for success.
Marketing Manager of Courts Guyana Inc, Ms. Tamara Rodney-Clarke, noted that Courts is pleased to be a part of the programme, and this is not the end of their involvement. She said that it is incredible for the University of Guyana to undertake such an important project which facilitates learning, understanding, growth and development. Ms. Clarke urged the participating children to dream big, as they can be whoever they want to be as long as they work hard.
Some of the children treated the audience at the closing ceremony to dramatic pieces, poems and songs. At the end of the ceremony, participants were presented with certificates, as well as books.
The programme was made possible by Courts Guyana Inc who previously presented a cheque for $540,000 to the Vice Chancellor (ag.) Dr. Marlene Cox. The money was used to provide snacks, teaching materials, books and special prizes for the children.