PowerPoint Presentation

National Reading Campaign: Creating a Culture of Reading by 2015Wanneh A. DixonJune 2013

1Facts & FiguresFact: Illiteracy rate is 70% in LiberiaFact: The average reading rate is 15 words per minuteFact: Studies show if a child is not reading fluently by the 4th grade, that child will struggle for life to readFact: There are very few bookstores and libraries in Liberia

As Liberia becomes more developed, the value of literacy (defined as the ability to read and write) has been brought to the forefront and now it is time to focus specifically on reading. Unfortunately books are not readily available which means students do not have the means of practicing their reading skills, families are not reading together, creative authors do not have a place to display their talents and old traditional stories are getting lost and becoming forgotten. As Liberia redefines itself, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce the culture of reading.

2Teachers are Crucial to Students SuccessMission: To improve the quality of teaching and learning in Liberia

Goals: Improve reading skills and increase equitable access for Liberian children by 2015

Objective: Improved teacher effectiveness in the classroom especially in reading and math

Recent graduates of the Teacher Training Program 3OverviewThe National Reading Campaign is a two year public awareness campaign will make reading a national priority by encouraging reading and increasing access to materials.

Improving reading for boys and girls closes the gap in education equity and equality. Education is the key to wealth building for the future.

4GoalThe campaign will ignite the passion for reading, create lifelong readers and highlight the importance of reading for developing and sustaining Liberia.

The objectives and key activities associated with the campaign will create awareness and be the catalyst for weaving literacy into Liberians lives.

The campaign is two years coinciding with the end of the Liberia Teacher Training ProgramThe Ministry will continue to reiterate the importance of reading

5Key Messages

6ObjectivesIncrease access to reading materialsProvide reading materials that are culturally relevantPromote and provide access to Liberian-authored materials Leverage traditional storytelling to encourage families to read togetherPromote a culture of reading and writing to improve these skills

Reading Room in Grand Bassa County1. Increase access to reading materials in schools, libraries or via book fairs.2. Provide reading materials in English and local languages that are culturally relevant.3. Promote and provide access to Liberian-authored materials of all kinds. 4. Leverage traditional storytelling to encourage families to read together.5. Promote a culture of reading and writing in order to improve reading and writing skills.

7KnowledgeDesireSkillsOptimismReinforcementStimulationFacilitationCycle of Behavior Change8I LOVE TO READ!

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