Literacy is a major focus for the Ministry of Education and Restore Belize this year. They have led several different initiatives to ensure that children are taught how to read well and are encouraged to do it more. And that's what was behind today's readathon.
Primary School kids were asked to read as many books as they could and write reports about it. The kids all came together at the Readathon award ceremony at the Leo Bradley Library to receive prizes for their strides in literacy. We stopped by and found out more from the budding bibliophiles.
Rosalyn Bradley, Education Consultant- Restore Belize/Ministry of Education
"The whole purpose of the readathon is to encourage reading especially in school. We encourage the kids to come to the library check out books and read as many books as possible. We know that reading is very important if the students cant read it affects their academic performance across the board and so there is no excuse. They cant say they don't have the resources at home and so through the library which has a lot to offer in terms of the activities that they do so during this readathon which we started in March. The library actually went into the schools dropped off books once every two weeks. We asked the kids to read the books and check them out. They read the books. They also completed a book report which they had to submit and so we then looked a the book report and evaluate and that is how we determine who the winner is for today."
Siah Straughan, Queen Street Baptist School
"I came in first place for reading the most books."
Sahar Vasquez
"How many books did you read?"
Siah Straughan, Queen Street Baptist School
"20."
Sahar Vasquez
"Ok and so what was your favourite book?"
Siah Straughan
"My favourite book was Prilla and the butterfly."
Sahar Vasquez
"Why do you like reading?"
Siah Straughan
"Because to me reading us fun."
Sahar Vasquez
"How do you feel about reading? DO you like it?"
Chloe Sanchez, Trinity Methodist School
"Yes, I like it."
Sahar Vasquez
"Why?"
Chloe Sanchez
"Because it is fun to learn and I like to read new books."
Sahar Vasquez
"How many books have you read so far?"
Chloe Sanchez
"20."
Sahar Vasquez
"What was your favourite book?"
Chloe Sanchez
"Amelia Badillia."
Eight schools participated in the competition.
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