Ten years after the Atlantic Readers Series was launched under the PPP/C Government, the Ministry of Education, and into the education system for young learning, the PPP/C now back in Government has revisited the project, revised and launched the books.
The books were launched over the weekend at Redeemer Primary School with the aim of having each child learn to read by the four grade.
This time will now have series one to six. The one to three series is ready. Series four to six will be for readers and for practical lessons.
The books will also focus on having Guyanese contained inside and are truly relatable to the kids and in return have them learn the culture of their homeland.
Speaking at the event hosted by the Ministry of Education, Minister Priya Manickchand, said that it’s about time Guyana has its materials for learning, and not having to go into the fashion of learning from someone else’s culture using their books.
There are enough books to distribute and the fact that too many grade level students were not able to read at some point is worrying.
“So, this could not go on. We couldn’t continue to have books in our classrooms that were not enough, and that were not as relevant for our children. Watching year after year poor results that evidenced poor literacy skills because if you are reading you are learning to read from nursery to grade four and reading to learn from grade four onwards and if you can’t read to learn; you might understand that is why you are seeing poor science and social studies results in grade six and poor economic results.” Minister Manickchand.
Minister Manickchand further questioned why such a project was not continued under the APNU-AFC Government. This not be lamented at the moment. The focus must be on forging ahead in making students learn about their country, its culture and at the same time learn how to read.
“While we are teaching you to read we are also teaching you about Diwali and Cuffy and Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and the leaf and the flower. We are integrating all other subjects; life skills…How to be kind in a reader’s book. As you learn to read you learn to be a civil respectful citizen,” Minister Manickchand added.
Additionally, she noted that even with the project launched the goal to have a child reading well by grade four cannot work without the implementation of the teachers, and as such, she is calling on the teachers to do their jobs and ensure that the books as used properly and ensure that books use all the time for the benefit of the students.
“I’m asking you to use the resource consciously in a way that gives you the result. Once your children come into your classroom, you know where each and every one of them is as a reader. You watch them week after week grows to where you want them to be at the end of that class,” Minister Manickchand further noted.
The Book Series was reportedly birthed in 2012. Eighteen months later the first three series were created with the help of local writers, education specialists, teachers, etc.
Atlantic Readers Series is said to have comprised the Guyanese way of life, while focusing on comprehension, Phonics, etc.
The books will also be translated into the Amerindian language and would be available to all students free online, as an interface version soon.
The United Nations Children’s Fund, Guyana/Suriname Deputy Representative, Irfan Akhtar said this stands part in realizing a Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) set by the United Nation.
“This initiative is important in relation to SDGs to ensure inclusive and equitable and quality education in promoting life and learning and opportunities for all.”
Dr. Lauretter Bristol, CARICOM Representative, applauded the Government. She said that it stands with the CARICOM Goals of having a human development agenda 2030 through education.
“What a thing to a young child while learning about the world recognizing himself or herself in that world today in Guyana. The CARICOM Secretariat as a regional body is excited to continue to be a part of this journey with you as together we seek to ensure and realize the aims and goals of the human development agenda 2030.”
The new Atlantic Readers will be on the shelves at each school around Guyana in the coming weeks the books.
