Reading still vital in a hi-tech world

Despite several technological advances in education, the act of reading books still plays a critical role in the development of young students.

This was the message shared Tuesday by Kaylene Kellman-Holder, Education Officer for Planning, Research and International Relations at the Ministry of Education, as she spoke during a book handing over ceremony at the Media Resource Centre of the SJPI (Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology) being done by three local authors, Dr. Yvonne Weekes, John Roett and Jeff Broomes.

Kellman-Holder, who graciously thanked the authors for their donations to the still new Media Resource Centre on campus, said that though the use of technology currently plays a critical role in every aspect of education, in particularly over the last few years of the COVID 19 pandemic, books and the art of reading them are still equally important as the island develops its young minds.

“Books inspire students to achieve through hard work with courage and hope.

Additionally, books assist in increasing the intelligence, improve memory and vocabulary, and assist in developing analytical skills. Such skills are the true mark of literacy, the foundation upon which several 21st century skills are built.

“It is the goal of the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, to ensure that all learners are equipped with these critical skills,” she said.

SJPI Board Chairman, Shelton Perkins, also shared his thanks with the three authors, and cited the need for resource centres around the island to not only carry physical books for students to use, but locally written pieces which better tell Barbadian stories.

“It is my hope that today’s exercise will be the inspiration for and the beginning of the populating of this and other local resource centres and libraries with the works of our own people, with the intention of expanding knowledge, and broadening horizons, especially for our youth.

“This centre stands ready and willing to receive such work.”

The books donated to the campus were: The West Indian Cricket Journey and Its Barbadian Influence by Jeff Broomes, Disaster Matters by Dr. Yvonne Weekes, and Backstage Pass by John Roett. (SB)