Some 30,000 books worth $100,000 were handed over to Vision Fiji and the Ministry of Education in Suva today via the nationwide reading initiative ‘Read to Lead’.
The book drive is an initiative of the FIJI Water Foundation.
“This year, we wanted to inspire our young children to discover the joy of reading and the importance of caring for books,” said FIJI Water Foundation manager Marie Smith.
“We also replaced any damaged books that we had donated between 2014 and now to showcase our commitment to delivering more than 185,000 new children’s books to Fiji’s 735 primary schools,” Ms Smith said in a statement issued from the Foundation.
‘Read to Lead’ patron Mary Bainimarama and Assistant Minister for Education Joseph Nand officiated at the handover that was held at the Pure Fiji Art Gallery in Vatuwaqa.
“I am sure these books will be put to good use and I urge all teachers as well as parents to use these valuable resources as precious gifts that will broaden our children’s knowledge and imagination, and also go a long way in boosting our literacy levels,” Mrs Bainimarama was quoted saying in the statement.
Mr Nand said the ministry appreciated the beautifully illustrated books that would also serve as a valuable tool complementing the literacy guide.
Since 2014, the FIJI Water Foundation, in partnership with Australia’s Direct Aid Program, has supported Vision Fiji’s initiative by contributing $700,000 to ‘Read to Lead’ and donating more than 185,000 new children’s books to Fiji’s 735 primary schools.
