Reading helps to shape a person’s mind and imagination while simultaneously improving spelling and vocabulary.
Attesting to the value of reading yesterday, Education Minister Anthony Garcia urged parents, teachers and students to take advantage of the affordability of books now available following the arrival of the Logos Hope in Port-of-Spain.
Referred to as the world’s largest floating book fair—the Logos Hope will remain docked in Trinidad for the next 26 days before heading to the sister isle.
Prior to cutting the ribbon to formally open the fair at Berth 4, Port-of-Spain Dock, Garcia said special arrangements were made to facilitate primary and secondary school students on four separate dates during this month.
Amazed to learn the Logos Hope contained a school which catered to the academic needs of the crew’s off-spring while they live and work aboard the vessel, Garcia joked about applying for a job as a teacher.
A former educator himself, Garcia firmly believes if literacy levels were to increase locally, it would go a long way to improve student performance.
Labelling it a “print rich environment,” Garcia is hopeful that the Logos Hope’s literary treasures will encourage students to do more reading than they were doing at this time.
He later admitted while the advent of technology had impacted reading levels as students seem more inclined to search the internet for information, it was up to the adults to get them more interested and involved in reading.
The Logos Hope offers an expanded selection of over 5,000 titles at affordable prices.
Owned and operated by GBA Ships, the Logos Hope is part of a non-profit organisation based in Germany which sails around the world bringing knowledge, help and hope to thousands.
Operating with a volunteer crew of 400 which includes over 60 different nationalities, Public Relations Director Randy Grebe said their aim was to impart knowledge in the form of books and assist in uniting communities and people.
The ship’s director, South African national Seelan Govender said the Logos Hope was more than just a ship as its operations were specifically geared towards instilling morals and values, as well as imparting lessons about love, loyalty, peace, forgiveness, justice, hope and tolerance.
Returning to T&T shores following his initial visit in the early 1990’s, Captain Graham Wilburn thanked the international community for accepting and welcoming the ship and crew.
Recalling his interest in T&T as a young boy when he first began collecting stamps which painted a very exotic picture of the two islands, Wilburn said he was eager to interact with the local populace as they visited the ship.
T&T national Khemraj Lakhan, 28, of Couva, who has been serving as an engine room watchman for the past year aboard the ship, said his home-coming was an emotional one both for him and his family.
Overcome by tears as the boat sailed into port on Wednesday where they were met by members of his family, Lakhan said he is determined to complete his two-year rotation as he is strongly motivated to help the less fortunate.
Admitting he had grown up in some challenging circumstances which he overcame with the love of God, Lakhan said he was now seeking to provide that same kind of hope to others who feel they may not be able to continue on.
Lakhan said he is looking forward to treating his fellow crew members to the local cuisine during a visit to his home.