‘Leaders are Readers’ Programme Engages Children During Holidays
As students across the country enjoy their two weeks holidays, Mokani villagers have organised a ‘leaders are readers’ programme to keep their children busy during the school break. Close to 100 children are part of this reading programme organised by the Mokani Youth Club in partnership with Mokani Rugby Club and Mokani Methodist Youth Fellowship.
Children gather at the Mokani Village Hall on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays as reading classes are conducted from 4.30pm to 5.45pm. Mokani Youth Club vice president, Mr Josefa Tarotaro, said as many children look forward to the two weeks school holidays, the break from classes could also offer an opportunity for youth members, parents and caregivers to encourage reading at home.
“This two weeks’ school holiday is a great opportunity to develop children’s reading abilities and nurture their understanding of words,” Mr Tarotaro said.
“This reading programme was brought up during the village meeting, when our village elders are concerned about the percentage rate of children in the community. “Our Youth Club shared this opportunity of reading and understating that will help our children during their exam. This is one way our club members can contribute to our future generation’s education
“Youth members who are school teachers, our retired teachers and youth members assist in this afternoon reading class. Now more than ever, it is important to keep children engaged with reading while they’re away from the classroom.
Reading mastery starts early, and requires consistency.”
Mr Tarotaro said when readers are engaged, their chances of greater overall success improve.
“Stories that engage curiosity and a sense of wonder have the power to build overall emotional intelligence, with stronger reading ability
consistently linked to greater opportunities for advancement and success throughout life,” he said. “Learning to read, and read well, is one of the most important journeys in a young person’s life. When that journey is nurtured and enhanced, and not disrupted, while away from the classroom, we can
expect our brothers and sisters to achieve greater academic success – and greater overall growth.” He acknowledged their book donors, the University of the South Pacific Library, Mokani Rugby Club members, parents, guardians and the Mokani Community members who donated story books.