Literacy skills to be boosted as East Canje Berbice gets reading centre

─ to be commissioned early February

─ will help to improve the reading skill of children from as young as six-years-old 

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Residents in the East Berbice-Corenynte Region will soon be afforded the opportunity to improve their reading and vocabulary skills, at the first-ever reading centre to be established in East Canje Berbice.

Infrastructural works for the $2M learning centre, which will be at lot 34 Canefield Village, is expected to be completed by January month end and its doors opened to citizens early February.

The new reading facility, when commissioned, will focus primarily on improving the literacy skills of its members. Children from as young as six-years-old will be catered for, while a special class is anticipated, for adults who are desirous of attending.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) today, Jocelle Seabra Wint said the project came to mind from her encounters several youths and realizing that many of them are struggling with reading. She explained that in times past, she had volunteered her time working in a programme called ‘reading is essential,’ a one-week reading initiative held every August. However, she stated the migration of many of the organisers and her moving out of town resulted in that programme becoming dormant. She explained that after returning to Guyana she and a friend, Leslyn Munroe revamped a one week reading programme, “Reading is essential” and the results were very successful.

Wint, who is a Minister of Religion, said that “one week is not sufficient and I wanted to have something that is more consistent. So, I thought, why not have a centre where the children can come during the week and not just wait for August holidays; especially for those children who may not be able to afford lessons?” She added: “The centre is open to them. Whether you can afford it or not, we want to enhance the reading skills of the youths within our society.”

The pastor stated that initial works on the building had commenced in October last, but a lack of resources resulted in a change of the anticipated date for completion at that time of the facility at that time. Nevertheless, to date, several persons have seen the importance of the project and have since contributed towards making the education plans possible.

She noted that more work has to be done, but they “are hoping to conclude by January month end”.

Wint said that the project has received full support from her husband, who is also a pastor, and their aim is to establish a reading centre in each administrative region, if possible.

Story and image: Kellon Rover.

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