Odi loves reading digitally

The National National
Odi with her teacher demonstrating the tablets in front of the class. – Picture supplied

By LULU MAGINDE
SOME parents and teachers have utilised innovative digital learning tools to maintain early childhood learning, providing equal opportunities for girls and boys despite the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Eleven-year-old Odilia Manggin, better known as Odi, an elementary school student from Central, is one such student who was affected by the restrictions imposed, disrupting her education.
She missed going to school and seeing her friends when classes were suspended.
When her school was selected to be a part of the “together for education” project, this only strengthened her love for reading.
“I really enjoy reading and I look forward to reading on the tablets every day,” she said.
World Vision, in partnership with the Department of Education, supported by the PNG-Australia partnership, implemented the “together for education” project at Odi’s school.
The kit consists of 40 tablets, each preloaded with a collection of over 500 age and culturally appropriate books with a solar panel to recharge the tablets.
“It has so many books in it and I can just sit at my desk and read anything I want to with just a tap of the finger,” she said.
Described by her teacher as a great example to other students, her father Chris labelled her as an eager students who had shown a love for reading from a very young age.
“She was always looking for materials to read during her free time,” he said.
Odi has always been a keen student and has not needed much persuasion to get homework done or to read at home.
The elementary teacher-in-charge and Odi’s class teacher, Billy Gamoga, said the technology provided through the project, had been a game changer for the school.
“These kits have made a big difference not only in the children but in the way we teach our kids,” Gamoga said.
Digital library kits provided through the “together for education” project are now being used by more than 4,000 children from more than 56 elementary schools in Central, Madang and Morobe.
For schools without libraries or limited collections of reading materials, this sort of access to books can have a transformative effect on the schools and students.
The project is delivered by World Vision, in partnership with ChildFund, Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council, Library for All and University of Canberra.