The Rotaract Club of Georgetown on Saturday launched its outdoor library and recreational garden at the Red Cross Society under the theme "Creative Growth, Colourful Roots."
The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) will be donating books to four schools as the initiative seeks to combat literacy loss among children.
The Education Ministry earlier this year had reported that the Covid 19 pandemic has resulted in learning loss.
Assistant Chief Literacy Officer at the Ministry of Education, Samantha Williams who delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony says the move is welcomed by the Education Ministry while noting that "the challenge of addressing the reading deficit of our learners will certainly take a collaborative and aggressive approach."
She stressed that everyone needs to play a role in combating this challenge "until together we have a nation of readers, ready to lead and serve."
Ms.Williams told the Headteachers who will be receiving the books that it is important for them to see the books as not just another donation.
"The books are supposed to get old, that shows that many hands would have utilised them. Find a way to use them in your reading classes and resuscitate book clubs and library time within the school. Do not make the books cry in despair for the lack of use but rather let them praise you for utilising them in changing the reading and literacy landscape of your school."
To this end, she assured that the Education Ministry will play its role in addressing literacy loss.
The Ministry thus far has played its role through teacher training, volunteerism, tutoring, parenting programmes, reading clinics, reading camps and providing reading resources for the school system and community through print and digital media.
Meanwhile, Deputy Head Teacher of Winfer Garden Primary, Shirley Correia who will benefit from this mobile library expressed gratitude to the Rotaract club.
The project was conceptualised by four new pinned members of the club and will
operate on a "take one, leave one" basis.
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