Petrina Francis, Education Reporter
PATTERSON, COOKE, and HENRY-WILSON
GOVERNOR-GENERAL Sir Howard Cooke has declared today, 'Read Across Jamaica Day'.
A new initiative of the Jamaica Teachers' Associa-tion (JTA), it will seek to "promote reading and adult involvement in the education of students".
Cyril Lebert, secretary for professional services at the JTA , said 'Read Across Jamaica Day' was created with a view to generating e greater interest in reading in the school population. He added that there have been a lot of concerns about the level at which students are performing and "We believe that they do not read enough in terms of their competing interests".
Well-known members of society will participate in today's reading activities. Mr. Lebert suggested that if renowned people read to children, it would encourage greater interest in reading.
Prime Minister P.J Patterson, Sir Howard Cooke, Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson, Senator Noel Montieth and JTA President Michael Clarke will visit some schools today.
A GOOD IDEA
Everton Jones, principal of Denham Town Primary told The Gleaner that the reading initiative is a good idea. He said he supports anything to get the nation to read. "What we want is the children to see more adults reading," he added.
Mr. Jones said Bruce Golding, Member of Parlia-ment for West Kingston, will read to the students at Denham Town Primary today.
'Read Across Jamaica' day is one of several activities that have been organised to commemorate Education Week.
Tomorrow is Teachers' Day when the teachers of Jamaica will be honoured.
On Thursday Prime Minister P.J Patterson will present 40 educators from across the island with the Medal of Appreciation for outstanding service in education.
