Children urged to read more
as Book Week 2007 opens
~ Told reading is time well spent ~
PHILIPSBURG--The thirtieth annual Philipsburg Jubilee Library Book Week under the theme “Folktales and Fairytales” was officially opened yesterday afternoon with Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and Commissioner of Education Sarah Wescot-Williams emphasising the importance of reading.
Commissioner Wescot-Williams did the honours of cutting the ribbon to declare the one-week celebration officially opened. In her address, she encouraged youngsters to read, as in today’s changing world where knowledge can be acquired from so many different sources, the book remains the primary tool.
In his opening remarks, Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards explained that “the love of books and reading is a lifelong treasure that helps to uncover the secrets of the universe.”
“Reading is the cornerstone of education, allowing each individual to pursue knowledge. Knowledge is the finest tool we can give to our children. It is a means for achieving great things in life,” the Lt. Governor stressed.
He also noted that “nowadays, with the Internet,” there were many more opportunities for children to read even more from the comfort of their homes. In this regard, he recommended that they log on to two Websites:
www.caribbeanchildren.com and
www.booksforcaribbeanchildren.org .
In concluding his remarks, he added: “Boys and girls, reading also keeps you out of trouble. It is time well spent.”
MC of the event was the renowned “Pa Ben,” while pupils of Sister Magda Primary School and Hillside Christian Schools performed two fairytale skits. After the main presentation, Jump-up Stars Band provided musical entertainment on the library grounds as attendees stayed around to socialise.
As is the case every year, pupils of the various primary school were asked to come up with a logo for the theme for this year’s Book Week. Sister Magda Primary School sixth grade pupil Yusaf Salikram designed the winning logo.
Sponsor of this year’s Book Week was Jump Up Casino.
