Schools implementing designated reading periods in school timetables

According to the Ministry of Education, a designated reading period has been incorporated into the school timetables for this academic year and is currently being implemented.
The Union Minister for Education provided directives in a meeting held at the ministry in April and May, suggesting that starting from secondary schools, provisions should be made for establishing a school library, incorporating designated reading periods into the school’s timetable, and implementing scheduled sports activities within it.
“This academic year’s schedule includes a designated reading period during the eight teaching sessions of the day, with each class scheduled to visit the library once a week to participate in one session of the reading period. We have placed fiction and non-fiction books suitable for students from elementary to high school levels in the library. In addition, we have added books that will assist with school lessons, biographies related to history, and books on geography. Furthermore, to encourage creativity, we’ve included science-related books and brain teasers such as mathematical puzzles aimed at improving math intelligence,” explained Daw Hla Hla Nwe, a senior assistant teacher in Kamayut Township, to GNLM.
At the meeting with university rectors, degree college principals, and regional and state education officials held on 23 April in Nay Pyi Taw, the Union Minister for Education provided an instruction on teaching students not only with regular subjects but also with the importance of politeness, good morals, adoring the nation, and the preservation of their culture.
“Library time was initially included in the school timetable but gradually phased out. Reintroducing library and sports time is expected to yield positive results for young people. Nowadays, many children are more interested in using their phones than reading, so reinstating these activities in schools aims to cultivate good reading and library habits,” U Tun Tun Soe, a parent of a middle school student from South Okkalapa township, told GNLM.
Out of the 330 townships in Myanmar, which include 471 towns and 3,485 wards, along with 63,210 villages in 23,910 village-tracts, the Department of Information and Public Relations under the Ministry of Information has established 410 public libraries at the district and township levels. Additionally, more than 3,500 libraries are operated by the Myanmar Libraries Foundation, regional organizations, individuals, and communities, as reported by the Ministry of Information. — TWA/TH