Book fair draws students to reading
The literacy rate may not be what it once was in Belize, but judging from events at the library, books are more popular than ever. Jacqueline Woods reports.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
There were a variety of books on display, and the children exhibited a keen interest. The activity commemorated World Book Day, held each year to pay tribute to publishers, authors and what they produce. It’s the first time that Belize has joined in the celebration.
Lucy Castillo, Co-ordinator Book Fair
“Last year thirty countries participated in such a day and this year we are adding to that list, Belize. So that’s why we decided to go out to the schools and bring it and hopefully we will be catering to all the schools that show up.”
Primary school children were invited to come and listen to stories told and read to them by well-known Belizeans.
Aunt Sal
“Unu like Anansi stories?”
Children
Yes!
Aunt Sal
All right! Mek ah haul off mi shoes because then we wah have some fun.”
The boys and girls enjoyed listening to Aunt Sal as she told them about the time Anansi applied for a security job.
Ashley Williams, 9 years old
“The way she expresses it and how she talks it out and she like…she is nearly Anansi.”
Library Assistant Sandra Maples says she is not surprised by the children’s interest in books, because she has noticed a marked increase in the number of children who go to the libraries. Today, Maples took the time to show children that it is equally important for them to take care of the books, whether they are schoolbooks or a favourite storybook .
Sandra Maples, Library Assistant
“They should never bend it because the poor book is crying out for help, the book is in pain. And when their mommy buy the books in September, by December the pages are all torn and everything and then if you notice, there is wrong way and a right way to turn the pages of a book.”
A skill that eight year old Lionel Rhamdas says he learnt from his parents. Rhamdas received a colouring book and a box of crayons after he won the competition at the fair.
Jacqueline Woods
“Tell the boys and girls there how should they turn the pages of a book.”
Lionel Rhamdas, 8 Years old
“Turn it so and so, but you have to do it carefully and no mek it tear.”
Children who attended the fair had different reasons why they like to read and encouraged their peers to do the same.
Jacqueline Woods
“What are some of the books that you like to read?”
Miriam McCoy, 10 years old
“Mostly fairytales like Cinderella and Anansi stories.”
Jacqueline Woods
“And how does reading benefit you?”
Miriam McCoy
“Quite fine.”
Jacqueline Woods
“You find that your writing skills have improved?”
Miriam McCoy
“Much better than last term. Because last term, I think I had a ninety-three [percent average] and I think I am at ninety-nine now.”
Hugh Bowden, 10 years old
“Boys and girls should read because it helps them with their education and make them learn more.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What books do you like to read?”
Hugh Bowden
“I like to read encyclopaedias, stories of good things and some things that are true history and books that you should read that never tell you to do drugs.”
Breanna Murillo, 10 years old
“You get all these kinds of books that you can learn from it and you can teach your friends about it and tell them to come here and then they can read all the books that are exciting.”
At the fair the children also had the opportunity to meet with some of the local publishers and see what books are available in the country. Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
Over the course of the day, children took part in a number of activities, including poster, bookmark and reading competitions.
