After 12 months of intense discussion between the Ministry of Education and the Rotary Club of Georgetown, an ambitious move has been made to introduce reading clubs at schools in three education districts.At a symbolic ceremony held at the East Ruimveldt Primary School yesterday, reading clubs were launched for Patentia Primary in Region Three, Beterverwagting/Quamina Primary in Region Four, as well as the host school.With the aid of teachers, volunteers and the Parent/Teacher Associations, the reading clubs will be put into operation,Jean-Kevin Augustin Paris Saint-Germain Jersey, catering for pupils of Grades Three to Five. However, it is expected that pupils throughout the school will be able to make use of the books that have been added to the schools’ libraries.Students making use of the East La Penitence Reading Club’s facilities yesterday.According to Acting Head of the Literacy Unit, Ms Samantha Williams, the teachers who have been selected to assist with the operation of the reading clubs have been trained in Library Science Methodologies as well as methodologies in establishing reading clubs.“I can assure you that we have covered all the bases to ensure that the reading clubs will be successful,” Williams related.She disclosed, too, that the Regional Literacy Coordinator for the targeted regions will work closely with the schools to provide support for the teachers and pupils who will be involved in the programme. The sustainability and the success of the clubs,Sean Harlow Womens Jersey, she said,NFL Cheap Jerseys, will now rest on the commitment and determination of the head teachers and teachers of the schools to see that they cultivate and foster a habit of reading within the schools.According to Williams, reading clubs provide an opportunity for pupils to get together to read, share books and experiences as well as their feelings. Moreover, she noted that being a part of such a club will serve to help young children, as well as adults, to develop a love for reading.“Joining a reading club is both an escape and a journey into a rich and wonderful experience. It is a safe place to exchange and challenge ideas,” Williams added.She also alluded to the fact that the development of reading over the years has transformed considerably, moving from the traditional turning of pages of a hard copy book to significant technological advances. Technology, she said, has allowed for individuals to read books simply by the pressing of buttons on a computer or even the use of a Kindle eReader or by downloading an audio book and listening to someone else read.According to Williams, it is through books that persons are able to develop their thinking capacities.“The more we read,Georginio Wijnaldum Jersey, the more we learn how to be tolerant; how to make better decisions and ultimately how to develop and build our nation. So whether it is a comic strip,Cheap Jerseys Wholesale, a text book, a novel, a magazine article or simply a billboard, I encourage each of us to continue to read as often as we can.”Williams pointed out that those who are unable to read, must seek to develop skills that will enable them to become independent readers so that they can “become free”.Emphasising the importance of literacy, Williams asserted that without the unwavering support of the Rotary Club of Georgetown, the Reading Club initiative may not have become a reality.President of the Rotary Club, Mr Khalil Alli, in brief remarks,Filipe Luis Jersey, noted that the reading clubs are certainly not meant to facilitate remedial sessions, but rather, should serve as an avenue to encourage students to read.? He vocalised his expectation that the programme would not just end at the Club but will be supported by parents from home. He said, too, that the Rotary Club will monitor the progress of the programme which he regarded as a first phase, adding that positive reviews could see the establishment of reading clubs at other schools across the country.? The realisation of this project, he said, is in no small way due to the support of three significant corporate entities, namely Scotiabank, Ansa McAl and Digicel Guyana.The ceremony yesterday which saw the attendance of students, teachers and several parents was also graced by Minister of Education Ms Priya Manickchand and Chief Education Officer, Mr Olato Sam. Both senior officials spoke glowingly of the initiative which is expected to help considerably arrest illiteracy.