Group starts reading programme

 THE poor education performance level at a primary school in Moukele, Port Moresby, has forced the committee to start a reading club for students to read and do private study.

Moukele Community Development Committee chairman and a lecturer at the University of Papua New Guinea Keimelo Gima said the club would be used to introduce to the Moukele school children of Daugo Primary (on Fisherman’s Island) and other schools including interested citisens to the culture and importance of reading.

“This will improve their English and increase their knowledge through reading,” Gima said.

Gima in a statement said there would be a weekly one hour reading session from 9am-10am on Saturdays in a suitable spacious building away from the school.

“Interested students can stay on longer if they desire. There will be an additional weekly one hour session on Tuesday nights for private study,” he said. 

“The venue is the village community hall or church building.”

He said children would be encouraged to find a place in the building and start reading at their own pace.

Gima is working as a volunteer. 

“It is essential the reader does his/her own reading in a very quiet and conducive environment.”

The Moukele reading club needs assistance in areas of praying for the project, making helpful comments for improvements and volunteers to help with logistics and leadership.

“People can donate reading material, furniture like desks and tables, and lighting system such as generator, electrical cords and lights.

According to Gima, Daugo primary education level is poor. 

“The number of students leaving school at the end of Grade 8 is decreasing,” he said.

Gima said last year only one made it to Grade 9 out of the 20 students who sat for the exams.