Developing a reading habit

PERMANENT secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca makes an important point when she talks about literacy. She believes there is a need to establish reading corners in every community to boost the literacy of Fijian children.

After the release of the Year Eight exam results, she said questions were being asked about intervention and the role of the ministry.

Ms Kuruleca’s call for community reading corners should be embraced with some urgency.

It isn’t just about boosting future exam results. It is about nurturing a reading habit which can become a strong pillar for our nation’s future development.

Sure, we all want our children to be able to read well. Some of us may not truly appreciate the importance of literacy, and understanding the need to ignite imagination, foster critical thinking, and nurturing people empowered by knowledge.

Reading thus can be a catalyst that unlocks doors to endless possibilities.

Wouldn’t it be great to look to a future where a child learns to navigate complex narratives, understand different perspectives while developing his or her own voice and opinions?

We see Ms Kuruleca’s vision of community reading corners as a way forward.

In this age of technological advancements, and a time when opinions are largely dictated by trends on social media, we have a massive challenge before us, to change the mind-set.

Now that isn’t going to be a walk in the park. The responsibility to drive this change though extends beyond formal spaces.

Parents, mentors and guardians can become reading champions or advocates. We need a shift in mind-set.

We need to unite behind the need to prioritise reading as a foundational skill.

Let’s remember that children do not learn in isolation. However, we can shape their leaning towards reading by what we do, which includes reading.

The question now is whether we really want them to dive into the written world.

Ms Kuruleca said one of the support structures that could be put in place was to introduce more avenues where students could develop reading skills.

“At primary school, at Years One to Four, we do not have examinations, but how can you have the support structure?

“Retired nurses, retired civil servants can come and read with you in your community hall. So, asking them to do extra reading.

“Recognition of letters or sight words we call it, that’s the extra support. We need to provide this to all of our children starting from day one.”

It is a tough ask. But together we can make a difference. The key now is how much we want to do this? And how much we want to see change! The best bit is that we are already talking about change. That is a great start!