The Ministry of Information, National Archives and Library Services of Fiji permanent secretary Sharon Smith Johns is encouraging the reading of vernacular literature to promote the knowledge of local culture and heritage.
As the Ministry finalises arrangements for the annual Library Week to be held from September 8th to 15th, Ms Smith Johns is urging parents around the country to encourage their children to always prioritise reading.
Highlighting the importance of literacy levels in the country and government’s commitment towards education, Ms Smith Johns said that the issue of literacy should be taken seriously by both parents and youths.
“We need to remind our youth that because reading forms an integral part of the learning process, we must always encourage reading not only in schools but also in our homes”, Ms Smith Johns said.
“There are many benefits of reading but what we would like to particularly emphasise is that reading vernacular books not only expands your vocabulary but also provides you a sound knowledge of our culture and heritage.”
“We have observed in recent times that the habit of reading is slowly dying away as more and more forms of entertainment distract our children from just picking up a book to read”.
In order to address the gap in literacy levels, the Ministry has strengthened its rural outreach program to ensure that libraries, even in the most remote parts of the country have access to library books.
“That’s why the department of library services spends much of its time in the rural or remote communities promoting literacy. This includes recent outreach programs in the Yasawas and Naitasiri”, Mr Smith Johns said.
National Library week is a national event whereby the Ministry seeks to engage all government ministries and municipalities to encourage reading at all level and especially for the children.
The Library Services of Fiji has a week-long roadshow planned to commemorate the event with celebrations beginning from Nausori and moving to the West to Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi and Sigatoka.
The programme launch will kick off with a march from Cakobau House to Syria Park in Nausori tomorrow.
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