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| Premier and Minister of Education, the Hon Joseph Parry |
This week the Dyslexia Association of Nevis will conduct a week of activities, geared towards educating the general public, about Dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a specific leaning disability that is neurological in origin. Simply put, it is a learning disability in the area of reading. While reading is the main problem, some definitions include problems with writing, spelling, listening, speaking and maths.
Persons so affected would have problems with accurate word recognition and poor spelling. Secondary to these would be problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experiences that limit vocabulary development and related knowledge.
The dyslexic person attempts to read from right to left and cannot differentiate between certain letters like "d" and "b".
We know that reading and learning are the two things that determine the success of a child during his school career. He first learns to read, then reads to learn. The dyslexic child, because he has a problem with reading is hampered in the learning situation. The poor reader then becomes the poor learner.
My Government is committed to ensuring that all primary school children are able to read before they enter secondary school. My government is committed to giving support to any structured programs that would help to support full literacy and ensure that in time all of our citizens are able to read and write. We know that we have a high literacy rate but to the child who cannot read or write this is no comfort.
Dyslexia is not the result of persons having emotional problems, or lacking motivation, nor is it the result of poor teaching, mental retardation or vision or hearing problems.
I know that there are simple and applicable programs that bring success in the fight against leaning and reading difficulties. I believe that the Dyslexia Association of Nevis will endeavour to assure the public that there is hope for all dyslexic persons and that during this week, 24th September to 1st October; it will be sharing through it various programs and activities, vital information on Dyslexia and methods of helping dyslexic persons to read.
Each child has the right to read and every adult who cannot read and is willing even now to learn should be given the opportunity to do so.
There is much new information on revolutionary methods of correcting and preventing reading difficulties. With structured methods, teachers, teachers' assistants and other specifically trained professionals and parents can equip students with the necessary decoding skills to read, so that they function at their fullest potential in our Society and beyond.
~~Adz:Right~~While we work on structured methods to ensure that all dyslexic persons are equipped with the strategies to overcome their reading problems, we must ensure that they are congratulated and encouraged in the areas where they are strong, for usually they are gifted in technology, arts and special concepts. These strengths and talents must be encouraged.
My Government congratulates and supports the Dyslexia Association of Nevis, whose theme this year is "Don't Write Me Off If I Can't Read". As Premier and Minister of Education, I solemnly pledge to the Nevisian public, that this government does not intend to leave one child behind. To us, all children are important.
I take great pleasure to declare the Week of Activities of the Dyslexia Association of Nevis, from 24th September to 1st October 2006 open. I thank you and may God Bless You.
