Nurturing young minds through books

Alotau Preparatory School marked the conclusion of National Book Week on Friday, August 7, with a colorful series of activities aimed at promoting a strong reading culture among early learners.

Located in the heart of Alotau town in Milne Bay, the school came alive as students dressed up as their favorite book characters and presented drama performances, poems, riddles, miming, and songs to wrap up the weeklong event.

This year’s National Book Week was observed across the country under the theme "Read a book, Reset your Future".

Teacher-in-Charge Muriel Israel emphasized the necessity of instilling fundamental literacy skills in young children during their early development stages.

"Keep your books close, but keep your dreams closer," Ms. Israel said. "Even though we are closing the weeklong National Book Week celebration, never close your books, as reading is every child's journey to a better life in the future."

She said reading must remain at the core of every learning environment, stating that observances such as National Book Week and Literacy Week should not be the only occasions when students are encouraged to read.

She called for reading to become a continuous daily culture rather than an isolated annual activity.

She said building a consistent reading habit in children requires active support from teachers, parents, and guardians, as daily reading provides the knowledge needed to shape a child’s future prospects.