Many educational activities from Room to Read

by L. S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI

It is education that helps effect changes in the world.

The importance of education for children, is particularly felt in countries such as Sri Lanka, said 'Room to Read' Country Director Glenfry De Mel.

He said that over 200 million children in the developing world do not attend schools; the majority of them being girls.

Millions of children do not have access to books and libraries.

The 'Room to Read' Country Director made these observations while presenting his educational program for Sri Lanka.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena was the chief guest on the occasion. Education Ministry Secretary Sunil G. Sirisena and other senior Ministry officials were also present. The presentation focused on the impact 'Room to Read' has made in the lives of children through its programs.

Over the past five years, Room to Read has established 947 libraries in rural government schools, constructed 237 preschools and 50 primary schools in rural areas; provided six-years scholarships for 1548 Girl students from low-income families, published 49 children's story books and 35 educational posters in both Sinhala and Tamil, donated one million books _ in Sinhala, Tamil and English _ throughout the country, he said.

Minister Bandula Gunawardena said he would support "Room to Read" as long as educational activities are carried out with good intensions.