Governor-General the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen has urged students across Jamaica to make reading a life-long habit. He was speaking at King’s House on Monday (April 26) at the reading of a Proclamation to declare May 4 as Read Across Jamaica Day.
The Governor-General observed that reading was a catalyst for the academic success of students, and was also a significant tool in their preparation for Jamaica’s future job market and global competitiveness.
“Investment in education is crucial to the country’s well-being and the long term quality of life of its people. The nation is urged to focus on the importance of reading and the need to motivate children to read and master other basic skills in the education process,” the Governor-General said.
Meantime, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, Michael Stewart, who accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the JTA, reiterated the commitment of the teaching fraternity to the education of students. He said education will drive the country’s post-recession recovery and the JTA remains committed to that process.
Read Across Jamaica Day seeks to foster interest in reading by bringing together the entire community to participate in the promotion of literacy. It forms part of activities to mark Education Week, which will be observed from May 2 to 6.