-Minister Baksh urges during observance of International Literacy Day
THE Education Ministry is working towards ensuring that the entire Guyanese population is literate and has instituted plans and programmes to facilitate this process.
However, there is a need for more stakeholder participation and in this regard, Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh is calling on parents, students, teachers, communities and corporate Guyana to join the bandwagon towards achieving national literacy.
The Minister issued the call on Wednesday last, at a rally hosted by the Education Ministry in observance of International Literacy Day 2010, under the theme ‘The Power of Women’s Literacy’, at Queen’s College on Camp Street where primary and secondary school students were in attendance.
Minister Baksh pointed out that the Ministry has embarked on a literacy campaign with the objective of ensuring that every child in the school system is literate, at an acceptable standard, while in pursuit of  life-long learning.
Additionally, from this new school year, he said the Ministry has facilitated the institutionalization of the remediation programme. This requires teachers to remain after-school, for an hour, to give special attention to low achievers. This is of national importance and sees the transformation of the education system and, by extension, the nation.
He commended the teachers for their efforts and urged the students to inculcate the habit of reading. He also asked parents to control the amount of hours their children spend watching television and urged them to be actively involved in their education. 
Achieving acceptable literacy standards enables students to achieve high results at examinations, secure jobs, pursue higher education, live quality lifestyles and make sterling contributions towards national development.
With respect to this year’s literacy day theme, Baksh pointed out that more females than males are pursuing education and are also higher performers.
Principal Education Officer, Marcel Hutson stated that the Education Ministry is serious about children’s education since it is crucial in building careers and lifestyles.
He noted that being literate does not only refer to being able to read and write but also refers to one’s use of skills, knowledge and abilities.
Deputy General Manager, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T), Terry Holder pointed out that GT&T has been making significant contributions to the education system, by providing sponsorship for activities, scholarships and adopting schools.
He added that digital literacy is important, as such the company has embarked on bringing Guyana up to standard, technologically.
Education month officially began on Monday September 8 and ends on October 6, and is observed under the theme ‘Child-Friendly Homes: Child-Friendly Classrooms – Quality Education’.
(GINA)