KINGSTON, May 5 (JIS): Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, today (May 5) participated in Read Across Jamaica Day activities at the Jamaica House Basic School, in Kingston.
Mrs. Simpson Miller engaged the students in discussions as she read from the book entitled, ‘Little Lion Goes to School’, by Kellie Magnus.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the teachers and parents for the excellent work they are doing.
“I want to congratulate your parents and to thank them for taking good care of you. I also want you (the students) to do your very best and I want you to become outstanding citizens of this country,” Mrs. Simpson Miller told the children.
Read Across Jamaica Day is an important step in getting children to make reading a regular part of their lives. It seeks to foster interest in reading by encouraging parents and other members of the society to read a book to a child.
This is based on research that shows a connection between adults reading aloud to children and enhanced language development.
The day forms part of activities by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) to celebrate Education Week from May 3 to 9, under the theme: ‘Consolidating the Gains: Collaborating for Growth and Sustainability’.
A national day to promote reading and literacy locally was first observed by the JTA in 2005.
