The joys of reading

MINISTRY of Education permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca has raised the worrying scenario of our literacy and numeracy woes among school children.

It is posing a major challenge for professions to usher in new graduates.

She reckons an inability to critically think has also been touted as the side effect of reading withdrawals.

The task the Education Ministry now has to achieve, she said, was how to lift students’ reading skills.

Speaking at the recent Fiji Law Society annual convention, Ms Kuruleca said some of the tools to produce quality graduates included reading skills and comprehension, speaking, critical thinking, writing and active listening. “If you go right across any of the industries, the first task is either reading or speaking,” Ms Kuruleca said.

Her words ring true and with urgent clarity. In a world increasingly digitized and dominated by online interactions, the fundamental skill of reading stands out as a crucial pillar for our nation’s future.

The declining literacy and numeracy rates among our youth paints a worrying picture. We say this is not just an educational concern; it’s a national one.

There has to be some concern that the inability to read may be a barrier to progress. It may hamper our ability to think independently, solve problems effectively, and engage meaningfully with the world around us.

There will probably be an impact on our students’ potential to become informed citizens, skilled professionals, and responsible leaders.

In the face of this, we say Ms Kuruleca’s call to action is clear. “Let’s read.” Let’s start with the simple act of picking up a book. Let’s rediscover the joy of immersing ourselves in stories, learning from factual accounts, and expanding our horizons through the written word.

But reading, we say, is not just about individual enjoyment. It’s about building a literate society, a nation where communication thrives and ideas flow freely.

We all must come together to nurture a love of reading in our children. Let’s make reading a shared experience, a daily ritual that weaves itself into the fabric of our lives.

The DEAR program which Ms Kuruleca highlights, is a commendable initiative, but it needs more than just school hours.

We must extend this love of reading beyond the classroom walls.

Ms Kuruleca’s point about investing in life skills is important.

Let’s not underestimate the power of a reading in shaping minds and shaping destinies. We could start by committing to rekindling a love for reading in our young children. Ms Kuruleca and her team need our support to make this work! In fact we should really be nurturing the reading habit in our children! It will be good for the nation!