Reading power extolled
THE weighty challenges facing Jamaica’s education system is reflected in the poor results of some students, typically boys, in the Grade Four Literacy Test, administered at the primary school level.
It is against this background that the Manchester Parish Library, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Region Five, presented the Boys’ Reading Day at the Manchester Parish Library Cultural Centre — the Cecil Charlton Hall — on April 19.
“It started in 2007 at the St Ann’s Parish Library in support of Literacy Day and was introduced to the Manchester Parish Library in 2008… The aim is to encourage grade four boys to develop a positive attitude to reading as it is seen that there is a challenge with the Grade Four Literacy Test,” said Jamaica Library Service Region One director Lorraine McLean.
Business leaders in Mandeville were on hand to encourage and help transmit the message that ‘A reader today becomes a leader tomorrow’, having come in as sponsors for the day’s activities.
Speaking on April 19, Kevin O’Brien Chang, managing director of Fontana Pharmacy, urged young men to strive not to become marginalised, through embracing literacy.
“People who are confident in life speak well… If you want to speak more clearly, read a page or two by yourself aloud… You should be able to speak well when you need to… Those who cannot speak well will be treated as second-class citizens,” said O’Brien Chang, who is also the author of the books Jamaica Fi Real: Beauty, Vibes and Culture and Reggae Roots: The Story of Jamaica’s Music.
He added that one way in which parents can effectively connect with their children and build their confidence is by reading with them.
Several students from several primary and preparatory schools in the parish and progressive readers from one high school utilised various creative techniques throughout the event to ‘concretise’ the message that the ability to read is linked to career success. McIntosh Memorial Primary School walked away with the top prize for their efforts while Kendal All-Age and Mandeville Primary and Junior High placed second presenting informative and entertaining items.
