The beautiful island paradise of Jamaica celebrates Read Across Jamaica Day on May 3, 2022. On this day, Jamaicans from all walks of life go to schools and other facilities where children gather in large numbers. Once there, adults read different books to children as a way of inspiring a love and passion for reading.
This year, the theme for Read Across Jamaica Day is “Ministry of Imagination,” in honor of Education Week, which runs from May 2 to May 7. This theme encapsulates the significance of encouraging children to use their imagination when they read so that they can conjure up images, ideas and experiences from the pages to their own lives.
Children thrive in environments that promote reading, learning and freedom of expression. Reading is an activity that transports the mind to faraway places, as the reader becomes engrossed in the story and allows their imagination to explore without boundaries.
Members of the Peoples’ National Party (PNP) were out in full force today, reading from the children’s book, “Portia Dreams,” that tells the story of Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, Jamaica’s only female Prime Minister.
Among the members of the PNP who read from “Portia Dreams” are PNP President and Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Councillor-Caretaker Jouvaughnie Byfield who is running to represent the Gayle Division in St. Mary, Kathi Cooke, and owner of Sweetcooke Bakery.
Comrade Golding visited three schools today: St. Simon Primary School in his constituency, Clan Carthy Primary School in Member of Parliament Julian Robinson’s constituency and Franklin own Primary School in Imani Duncan Pryce’s constituency.
Meanwhile, Councillor-Caretaker Byfield went to Free Hill Primary and Jackson Primary and Infant Schools in the Gayle Division of St. Mary, where he is seeking office.
The children were engaged and thrilled to welcome the guests and participate in the reading exercises. Can we have “Read Across Jamaica Day” every day?-PM
