Region 3 health centres now have reading corners
─people encouraged to donate books and shelves
DPI, Guyana, Monday, January 28, 2019
The Child Care and Protection Agency – Early Childhood Development Services and the Region Three administration have collaborated to establish reading corners at four health centres.
The communities are Wakenaam, Leguan, Tuschen and Den Amstel and it is the intention of the region to equip all health facilities with reading corners.
Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Senior Welfare Officer (SWO) Zalika Williams said that the core objectives of the project are to ensure that children develop an early interest in books and to allow parents to enjoy meaningful bonding time with their children.
“It was scientifically proven that children at a very tender age have great absorption and it is definitely our intention as parents and caregivers to ensure our children learn early.”
According to Williams, this project allows for a parent to read to their children while waiting to see the doctor. It will give the children early exposure to learning material and develop enthusiasm towards reading.
“Parents who work and hardly get time with their children can use this opportunity to bond with their children. The benefits are tremendous and I encourage them to make use of it,” Williams remarked.
Regional Executive Officer Jennifer Ferreira–Dougall welcomed the initiative: “This is a great plus for the education sector in our region and by extension, our country and I want to commit here and now that all health facilities will get reading corners. We will ensure that happens. It is said that you learn from the womb to the tomb so even pregnant mothers can benefit. Pick up a book and read to the children, and the benefits will be felt in their numerous accomplishments yet to come.”
The REO also gave her approval for the Child Care and Protection Agency to train Community Health Workers how to deal with illiterate parents. It is the expectation that those parents will be involved in picture reading with their children.
A call is also being made for persons to donate books and shelves to the project.
Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul.