NCB encourages 'Love for Reading' at Mountain View Primary

THE STUDENTS of Mountain View Primary sat eager and attentive. They listened to every word and asked questions as members of National Commercial Bank (NCB) staff cosied up to them in small groups in the school library reading from the many storybooks on hand.

It just didn't appear that either the students or the NCB staff wanted that 45-minute session to end.

It was a Valentine's Day with a difference. On the morning of February 14, NCB Corporate Affairs Manager Belinda Williams and staff members from the bank's Cross Roads, Windward Road, and Matilda's Corner branches visited the school and spent the morning session treating the students to personal one-on-one reading time, as well as sweet treats.

"This is an excellent, excellent idea," said principal Michelle Robinson. "Usually, the thrust is to donate resources, but we have to go beyond that, which makes this programme unique. This is what we need as a nation, getting personally involved, that human element. Children do live what they learn and it makes a big difference to them to hear the words come alive and see adults reading."

Changing attitude to reading

Sharon Brown, guidance counsellor, said a number of the students were unable to read for a number of reasons, including a lack of reading material and a poor attitude towards reading.

"What is recognised is that the students who are unable to read are the ones with insufficient life skills. It would stand to reason that if these children are empowered through this partnership, it will not only change the lives of individuals, but a school community, and ultimately, our society," said Brown.

The NCB Foundation has donated $80,000 worth of books, a computer, and a multimedia projector to the school. In addition, each week, staff members will visit the school and do 45-minute reading sessions with students across grades one to six.

"This morning, we thought instead of the typical Valentine's treats, we would show love through our 'Love for Reading' programme by helping out the teachers and spending quality time with the children by reading to them," said Williams.

"It was good. Reading is fun," said Michelle Jackson from grade five.

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com