(In Commemoration of Universal Children’s Day 2015) Greetings by Honourable Rushton Paray, MP Mayaro Thursday 26th November, 2015 Rio Claro Presbyterian Primary School.
Good Morning and thank you for the invitation to bring greetings at this forum as we join with the Rio Claro Heritage Festival Committee in commemorating the history of Rio Claro 101 years later under this year’s theme “Education in Focus’.This grand Book Fair which will run over the next three days is also being held in observance of Universal Children’s Day 2015 where defining goals are for every child to have access to education and to be able to attend school.
The very nature of a Book Fair is indeed meant to inculcate, engender and stimulate a culture of healthy reading and study habits, and an appreciation of literature not only in the schools, but also in the community and homes.Reading is therefore an essential ingredient in the thrust towards eliminating Illiteracy and innumeracy in our midst.According to the CIA World Factbook, ‘some 775 million adults lack minimum literacy skills, 1 in 5 adult is still not literate and two thirds of those adults are women’.
Reading in Literacy Development
Reading in essence and literacy development is a lifelong learning process which must never be comprised, and that is why we must applaud and continue to embrace these holistic interventions. Great civilisations of the world and the documentation of Mankind’s History has been forever archived in Libraries for all generations.
Reading is indeed the genesis of quality learning and it ably assists in shaping one’s character, mindset, personality and characteristics.It is the platform for the growth of one’s articulation, thought processes and analytical thinking.Reading is the bridge which connects you to other competencies and skills set in life.It is a perfect trade-off for acquiring the invaluable currency of knowledge and wisdom, and it remains an important staple and natural diet for our children’s mental health, vitality, concentration levels, self-esteem and confidence etc.
As the Rio Claro Heritage Festival Committee continues on the path of keeping ‘Education in Focus’ as the mandate for heritage preservation and historical enlightenment here in Rio Claro and environs,I wish to propose that in 2016 we can look at; 1. Schools participation in a programme on reading of the various components of Rio Claro’s rich and diverse history. 2. Organise Rio Claro History Lecture Services and Tours across the schools of the districts.3. Book Exchanges and Poetry/Public recitals. I was most obliged when called upon by the Committee, to make a contribution towards the Book Fair, and I remain committed towards supporting any venture which has as its objectives – Education and Social Empowerment.
My Vision
My representation as your Parliamentary Representative is predicated on the pillars of;1. Education and Social Inclusion 2. Human Empowerment and Entrepreneurship 3. Environmental Sustainability 4. Heritage and Cultural Diversity.These pillars will be advanced in order to realise our community genius, our resourcefulness and resilience as a people in this region.
It is my vision therefore that; 1. Every Community Centre should be so reconfigured to have a dedicated room or space for a mini Library. (The startling reality is that most of these centres are underutilized and closed most of the times). 2. In every school we should ensure that each students (as far as is practical) gets maximum usage of the School’s Library during each school term. (The point is ladies and gentlemen, we need to insist that the use of library facilities and increased study patterns of students become compulsory so as to give each student equality of opportunities for learning. 3. At home, parents need to invest more time and resources in opening up library spaces therein.
All these approaches dear students and parents will definitely propel us into developing a culture of healthy reading and study habits.It is instructive to note that the knowledge based societies of the world are founded upon the premise of having an insatiable appetite and thirst for Reading, Research, Innovation and Advanced learning opportunities and techniques with the requisite investments and infrastructure.
In conclusion, let once again compliment the organisers of the Book Fair, the Rio Claro Heritage and Festivals committee for hosting this venture, and I wish to implore and impress upon you parents to continue purchasing more and more Books to build that home based reservoir of knowledge and Intellectual capital.
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