Family reading game draws children and parents closer

(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS-TUESDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2010)  Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry, encouraged parents to read to their children on a daily basis. He gave the advice when he delivered an address at a ceremony to mark the opening of the first Family Book Feud on Saturday at the Occasion’s Hall.
 
Held under the theme “Developing Partnerships with Families and Community through Children’s Literacy”, the game show like competition has been based on a partnership of one child and one parent representing each of the nine primary schools on the island.
 
“I believe that this activity is a fun time although it is a competition. I believe that the greater fun would have been the preparation, while the child and the parent read the books together and prepared for the competition,” said the Premier.
 
The Family Book Feud activity was a collaborative effort between the Nevis Library Service, Department of Education and the First Caribbean Bank.
 
“I congratulate all the participants but I wish to especially congratulate the fathers who have taken up the challenge and have shown that they understand the importance of playing an active role in their children’s lives,” said Mr. Parry.
 
According to the Premier, the objectives of the event were to create a reading environment in the home, encourage families to spend more time together and create a social environment in which the home, school and community could work together.
 
Mr. Parry also thanked the Department of Social Transformation headed by Minister, the Hon. Hensley Daniel and the Ministry and Department of Education for the part they have played in facilitating the event.
 
“The message is read to your children. The men of this island are more and more getting involved in their children and in particular their sons lives.  My Government stands firmly behind the lives of young people and we are committed to work with families in order to build strong decent communities,” concluded Premier Parry.
                                       
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