GOVERNOR’S WIFE TAKES “READ ALOUD” CAMPAIGN TO SCHOOLS IN BENUE STATE TO REINFORCE READING CULTURE

In Benue State, the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Ortom and founder of an NGO Eunice Spring of Life foundation (ESLF) on Wednesday embarked on a “Read Aloud” tour of primary schools in Makurdi, the state capital to stimulate the culture of reading in the young ones.

The schools visited include Anglican Nursery and primary school, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Nursery and Primary school and LGEA primary and Nursery school Demekpe.

In each of the schools visited, Dr. Mrs. Ortom read a story “The Sneetches,” a children’s storybook authored by Dr. Seuss, to the pupils and they shared the lesson learnt after listening to her.

The founder of ELSF commended the active participation of the pupils and encouraged them to make reading, a habit.

“I want you to read more than you play. To be literate, you must read,” she asserted, explaining that “reading helps a child to develop the ability to think well, judge well and make better and positive decisions”

She noted that reading is the only way that the pupils can prepare themselves to contribute to the development of the country and world at large.

While stating that reading is also beneficial to building a wealth of moral values, Dr. Mrs. Ortom charged teachers not to relent in molding the character of the pupils.

Programme manager of ELSF, Mrs. Ginette Saloma Ikpaahindi, explained in each of the schools visited that the “Read Aloud tour” was part of activities of ELSF to mark this year’s children’s day.

On their part, Head teachers of the three schools lauded the concept of Read Aloud, describing it as historic and commendable.

The wife of the Governor presented gifts to the management and participating pupils.

ESLF’s strategic objective to contribute to creating access to quality education for the less privileged and needy has led to a major contribution in the thematic area of Education. Since 2016, it has carried out a series of literacy development and advocacy activities throughout the three senatorial zones.

The core objectives of the Read Aloud concept include:

     Promote core Nigeria values in schools (including Patience, Tolerance, Courage, Integrity and Empathy)

     To develop listening span

     To help students develop stronger Vocabulary and sophisticated language structures.

     To model fluent reading

     To show the connection between speech and print.

     To follow reading with activities that deepens students understanding of each core value. In addition, to give students the opportunity to practice each value inside or out of school.

     Initiate a conversation about our common values.

     Educate our children in acceptable social skills.

     Become more skilled independent readers

     Help students to begin to associate reading with entertaining and pleasant feelings rather than the punishment of exams….#

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom reading the Sneetches by Dr. Seuss to pupils of Anglican Nursery and Primary School Makurdi  

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom listens as a pupil of Anglican answers a question 

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom presents a gift to the Head teacher of Anglican Nursery and Primary School Mrs.Fidelia Nwosu 

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom in a group picture with pupils of Anglican Nursery and Primary School Makurdi

 

 

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom reading the Sneetches by Dr. Seuss to pupils of Our Lady of Perpetual  Nursery and Primary School Makurdi  

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom listens as a pupil of Our Lady of Perpetual answers a question 

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom presents a gift to the Head teacher of Our Lady of Perpetual  Nursery and Primary School Rev. Sis. Laurenze Nze 

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom in a group picture with pupils of Our Lady of Perpetual Nursery and Primary School Makurdi

 

 

 

 

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom reading the Sneetches by Dr. Seuss to pupils of LGEA Nursery and Primary School Demekpe Makurdi  

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom listens as a pupil of LGEA Demekpe answers a question

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom presents a gift to the Head teacher of LGEA Nursery and Primary School Demekpe Mrs. Rebecca Yugh

Her Excellency Dr. Eunice Ortom in a group picture with pupils of LGEA Nursery and Primary School Demekpe Makurdi