By Alhaji Mohamed Wusha-Conteh
In “one of the most extensive studies of independent reading yet conducted,” Anderson, Wilson, and Fielding (1988) traced reading growth to independent reading and reading volume. They found that the amount of time students spent in independent reading outside of school was the best predictor of reading achievement.
In a bid to provide more resources that would help students, teachers and researchers exercise their interest in inculcating the habit of reading; the Sierra Leone Library Board had received a 20 foot container containing 22,715 Textbooks from Book Aid international -a UK based charitable organization.
In a short ceremony held at the Sierra Leone Library Board, the Acting Chief Librarian Musa Bala Mansaray emphasized that access to print materials directly relates to students experiencing life in a positive way behaviourally, academically, and psychologically.
He noted that all the books donated by Book Aid International are demand driven as the books ranges from medical, engineering, business, economic, accounting, law etc. and was carefully selected to meet the curriculum of learning institutions in the country from early childhood education (nursery schools) to the universities.
Mr. Mansaray maintained that Book Aid International has been a long standing partner in complementing the flagship program of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and by extension the people of Sierra Leone. He went on to say that they hope to distribute the books to their 24 Libraries nationwide and will distribute some to the University of Sierra Leone, Njala University, Plan International and other learning Institutions.
Mr. Mansaray lavished praises on Book Aid International and assured them that the books will be utilized for its intended purposes. He expressed thanks to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance and all those who in diverse ways continues to help them in their strive to provide relevant materials for the people of this country.
In his remarks, Solomon Fofana, Acting Board Chairman Sierra Leone Library Board applauded Book Aid International for the consistency in donating quality and demand driven books to the Library and called on beneficiaries to make good use of the materials to broaden the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.
Mr. Fofana, assured all that the Library will continue to create a culture of literacy, provide the tools of empowerment for the next generation, of parents, teachers, and leaders in the country and called on students and researchers to make good use of the 24 libraries nationwide.
The event which was held at the Sierra Leone Library Board grounds Rokel Street, Tower Hill attracted a cross-section of teachers, pupils and the media.