CHILDREN who read succeed.
This was a simple yet important message given to Rampur Primary School students by the permanent secretary for the Education, National Heritage Culture and Arts Ministry, Dr Brij Lal during the World Book Day celebration.
Dr Lal, yesterday said the purpose of World Book Day was to pay a universal mark of respect to books and authors.
He said it was also to persuade people to find out the enjoyment of reading.
"I certainly feel that the success of the World Book Day in Fiji will depend primarily on the support of teachers, librarians, authors, public and private institutions and of course on the humanitarian non-governmental organisations and the mass media," he said.
He said children who read voluntarily and widely were better readers, better writers, better spellers and better critical thinkers.
"Reading is an active mental process and it forces us to reason out many things," he said.
"It improves our concentration and focus and builds self-esteem."
"When we have a population that can read and write, we can participate fully in the economy of the country.
"Parents and guardians will be able to assist children with homework, tasks and projects."
He said a literate population would be able to participate fully in discussions that can shape the well-being of organisations.