U.S. envoy urges parents and teachers to help children read
MPIGI – U.S. Government through its agency, Peace Corps, yesterday participated in celebrating Uganda’s 9th National Drop Everything and Read [DEAR] Day aimed at promoting the reading culture among the country’s pupils.
The celebrations were held at St. Mugagga Nkozi Primary School under the theme, “Reading as a Way of Life” where the U.S Ambassador to Uganda, Natalie E. Brown interacted with the pupils and read books to them as a gesture to encourage the pupils to read while at school or home.
She lauded the school for promoting literacy among the pupils. “I want to express my gratitude to the learners, teachers, staff, and board members of this institution for your dedication to promoting literacy in Uganda,” she said.
She added: “And I am happy to see so many members of the media here giving this event and the importance of reading the attention they deserve. It is a great honor for me to be part of this special occasion.”
Brown said U.S. government supports Uganda’s education sector and reading in a variety of ways. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development [USAID], she said, “The American people have supported literacy programs, nutrition programs, and since 2013, donated almost seven million books to schools across Uganda, including more than 850,000 teacher guides and books in local languages for 2,645 schools across Uganda.”
The ambassador said the U.S. government is committed to supporting Uganda’s education sector through the promotion of literacy programmes. She urged all Ugandans to make reading as part of their daily routine which would help people live productive lives.
“Reading is vital to enable people to live productive lives. It improves critical thinking abilities; stimulates imagination; improves vocabulary and communication skills; and promotes understanding of peoples, cultures, and ways of life. Reading unlocks a whole new world outside the confines of where you are and opens limitless possibilities,” she said.
She added: “It plays a crucial role in educational achievement, personal development, and success in life for all, regardless of physical challenges.”
Dr. Lily Asrat, the Country Director of Peace Corps said over the past six years, Peace Corps volunteers have participated in the training of 9,369 teachers in improved teaching techniques; supported the construction and renovation of 75 school and community libraries; stocked them with 6,115,428 books; trained 119,929 girls, boys, and caregivers in menstrual hygiene and management; and renovated/constructed 8 girls changing rooms and 12 washrooms.
Asrat said reading is very important and asked parents to their children time to read books and newspapers, noting that this would boost their future careers.
Brother Frank Mugera, the head teacher of St. Mugagga Nkozi Primary School, thanked the U.S. government for supporting schools through training of teachers.
He said many teachers in lower classes have been equipped with new technical skills, but also urged parents to help their children to read while at home.
https://thecooperator.news/kwania-school-gets-equipment-for-visually-impaired-pupils/
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