In celebration of Read Across Jamaica Day, Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon led a team of national and international partners in bringing the joy of reading to students across the island on Tuesday (May 6).

Observed annually during the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s (JTA) Education Week, ‘Read Across Jamaica Day’ is a cornerstone initiative aimed at fostering a national love for literacy among children and youth.

This year’s observance saw the minister visiting Constitution Hill Primary and Infant School in St. Andrew and Randolph Lopez School of Hope in Kingston, where she read to eager students and shared thoughtful messages on the lifelong value of reading.

Minister Morris Dixon was joined by a high-level delegation, including Juliet Holness, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Amy Tachco, chargé d’affaires at the United States Embassy; Michael Lavallee, public affairs attaché; Permanent Secretary Dr Kasan Troupe; and Ottis Brown, director for regional educational services/Region 1.

Emphasising the ministry’s deep commitment to literacy development, Morris Dixon encouraged parents to model reading at home and expose their children to diverse types of literature.

“Take them to the bookstore. Let them choose the books for themselves and let them see you reading too,” she said. “That’s an important thing. If they see the parent reading, then that gives them interest too in reading. We must do everything we can to instil reading in our children.”

The minister also promoted reading options that meet children where they are, especially boys, who are often more engaged by visual storytelling.

“We don’t always have to do the regular books. There are graphic novels, comics, whatever we can do to make it fun. Give them something that’s interesting, that’s exciting,” she advised.

As part of the ministry’s broader national literacy strategy, Morris Dixon announced that timetabled reading periods for Grades 1 to 3 will be introduced in September 2025, a move supported by extensive teacher training and resource development.

“We have said literacy is a commitment of ours, and we feel very strongly about it. That’s why we’re doing this,” she affirmed. “Our teachers want the same thing as us – for every student to leave school being able to read. We’re working with our educators and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. “

Troupe is leading the education ministry’s charge in developing and distributing new reading materials ahead of the rollout.

“We’re not leaving any child behind at all,” Minister Morris Dixon emphasised.