Back to Basics toddlers’ reading programme launched – to be established at over 300 health centres, 360 childcare facilities across the country

February 6, 2018

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DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, February 06, 2018

A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP), the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) Maternal Child Health Unit and the National Library saw the launch of the National Reading Programme today, at the East La Penitence Health Centre, Georgetown.

The programme is aimed at promoting early reading for children from birth to three years of age.

Toddlers taking a glimpse at their new books.

At today’s launch, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally noted her pride in the initiative, since lays the foundation to facilitate development in children.

“It is imperative; the young babies are our link to a better Guyana. They are our link to a brighter future and if we as a nation are to realise the dreams of becoming an educated nation, we must ensure that we invest in our valuable human resource as young as they might be.”

Minister Ally encouraged parents and guardians to make full use of the programme to guarantee educational growth in their children.

“It is of utmost importance for parents or guardians to understand that they are their (children) information super-highway from birth to five years. You have the strongest influence over them, and reading to your toddler is powerful. Parents you must be integrally involved in the development of your children,” the Minister emphasized.

Chief Librarian, Emily King said the National Library will be an active connector, along with other stakeholders, in assisting parents in being their child’s first teacher through the distribution of books and other resources.

The opening also saw the unveiling of a mobile bookshelf at the East La Penitence Health Centre and the distribution of toddler books to those who attended.

The Back to Basics: Toddlers’ Reading programme is expected to be established at over 300 health centres and 360 childcare facilities across the country. The childcare centres will also be required to establish a library or reading corner for the children.