World Literacy Day observed, children urged to read more
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_afcXjVDWw” width=”100%” height=”315″]
– Rights of the Child Commission hosts workshop in recognition
– “No society loses if their society has learned citizens” – PM Nagamootoo delivered feature address
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, September 8, 2018
As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing International Literacy Day, the Rights of the Child Commission this morning held a Literacy and Human rights workshop at the Grand Coastal Inn.
Delivering the feature address was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who underscored that children must be encouraged to read without discrimination or barriers.
“No society loses if their society has learned citizens; it multiplies the value of the society. It makes you better, it makes you brighter, it makes you more valuable. Books will guide you through life; books are are the source of light, the fountain of light showing you the direction you should take,” the Prime Minister stated.
He urged parents to inculcate the joy of reading in their children from a young age. “I want to encourage parents to talk to their children to help to build their vocabulary, grammar and their communication skills from an early age”.
Prime Minister Nagamootoo also acknowledged the work of the Rights of the Child Commission and the programmes which they have been implementing around the country.
Also addressing the workshop attendees was UNICEF Resident Representative, Sylvie Fouet who highlighted that literacy is a very powerful tool for youth empowerment. She noted that on September 24, 2018, the United Nations will be initiating the Young People’s Agenda which will focus on “finding new ways to ensure that every young person is in school, is trained and learning and employable by 2030”.
Chairperson of the RCC, Aleema Nasir noted that the while the workshop is being hosted in observance of International Literacy Day, future workshops and programmes have been designed to produce a positive re-shaping and re-orientation in the thinking, approach, attitudes and self-confidence of Guyanese adolescent children.
“Such reshaping and re-orientation are in keeping with the Articles established and enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, that is to nurture and cultivate children and youth who can exhort positive and constructive roles in their own lives as well as at the levels of their families, communities, regions and ultimately the nation as a whole”.
In the meantime, prizes were awarded to winners of the RCC’s Essay Competition on Juvenile Justice.
Gabreila Patram
Images: Jameel Mohamed