COME tomorrow, Monday September 9, the Ministry of Education would be using mobile units to distribute books across the country, in keeping with its “Give a Book” and “Drop Everything and Read” campaigns as part of its celebration of Education Month 2013 (September 1 to October 5).

Tents would also be erected at several locations across Georgetown, including at Stabroek Market Square, outside of Parliament Buildings, and in the compound of the National Library, wherein persons would each be able to uplift one free book, complements of the Education Ministry.

Guyana is expected to experience a “beautiful interlude” tomorrow at 11:00h, as the Education Ministry asks everyone to stop whatever they are doing in order to read something for 15 minutes.

Persons are encouraged to read something –- anything — and the entire media corps is on board with the Education Ministry to help make this initiative a success. Most media houses responsible for electronic media broadcasting would be pausing their regular programming for 15 minutes to broadcast reading materials.

The Education Ministry is inviting all to participate in these campaigns. The objective is to raise awareness of the importance of reading, primarily among young people. As such, the ministry is encouraging Guyanese throughout all ten administrative regions to give a book to someone else, and to persuade them to read it.

“Regardless of the age, content or format of the book, all are being asked to give a book to someone else, so as to support the ministry in encouraging reading and literacy nationwide,” a statement from that agency said.
The ministry will also be joining members of the private sector in the distribution of books tomorrow. Ministry officials will also be erecting tents in front of their main administrative offices at 21 and 68 Brickdam, Stabroek, and free books will be distributed to everyone present.
“The Ministry recognizes that reading is fundamental to function in today’s society. Reading is important because it develops the mind. Reading exposes a person to new experiences, and new experiences are very stimulating for the brain.
“Reading books provide the individual with the necessary repose from the rigors of everyday life and affects their health in positive ways. With that in mind, the ministry urges all Guyanese to also participate.
“The ministry urges all Guyanese; even after these brilliant campaigns would have concluded that they encourage and support each other to read a wide range of texts for enjoyment, so that they can later become more confident in making independent choices in their reading materials. The ministry recognizes that developing as a reader is linked to positive attitudes and experiences as well as skills and, urges Guyanese continue to support ready and literacy.”
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