Children who read voluntarily and widely are better readers, better writers, better spellers and better critical thinkers than children who are not. Reading helps children deepen their knowledge of themselves, their beliefs, their values and their dreams. Importantly, reading widely allows children to understand the lives of others, thereby gaining insights into other people’s way of life and developing their sense of compassion.
Schools are advised to inculcate a culture of reading for pleasure and reading for information. It is important therefore that school libraries have a large collection of appealing, high interest and relevant reading materials that students enjoy reading for pleasure as well as information.
Children should be first introduced to books and reading in the home. Parents therefore have a responsibility to ensure that their sons and daughters read from an early age and continue to have positive reading experiences throughout their childhood. Those who read as children are more likely to enjoy the success and pleasure that come from making reading a life-long activity.
The Ministry of Education advises parents to read to children and develop their interest in reading. A step in the right direction would be to enroll children in a local Library or better still buy books and read to them regularly, especially to the little ones. In most of our homes throughout the nation, there are religious books be it in vernacular or English and reading these regularly, not only enriches our spiritual lives, but they also develop reading skills.
It needs to be remembered that “Children Who Read Succeed” is more than just a slogan – it is a fact!
The Education Ministry calls for our collective support in creating a culture of reading, not only in schools, but more so in our very own homes.
Filipe Bole
Minister for Education, National Heritage, Culture and Arts, Youth and Sports, Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.