History

Rainey, Melvin D. Literacy and Reading in the South Pacific: Problems and Solutions.

School Libraries Worldwide 2 no. 1 (Jan., 1996): 1-8.

Abstract : The South Pacific Islands have a strong oral tradition which applies to both folktales and information and is still very active, particularly in the rural sectors. This oral tradition has hampered literacy since reading is often seen as unnecessary. The publishing industry in the South Pacific is not well developed, and publishing for children is particularly underrepresented. Over 95% of children's books in the South Pacific are supplied by overseas publishers, and these books are extremely expensive due to the high cost of transportation to and within the Islands. While the number of public libraries is growing, book collections are largely donated by foreign countries and are outdated, worn and unappealing. School libraries in the South Pacific generally have small budgets, unqualified staff, and are of low priority within the school system. School libraries appear to function as study halls, and there is little evidence that library skills or pleasure reading habits are developed in school libraries. Recent studies show that 40% of South Pacific 10-year-olds could not demonstrate adequate reading skills in English or their native language, and 20% could not perform simple arithmetic. Despite these problems two studies in the early 1980s demonstrated that South Pacific children could dramatically improve their literacy skills given high-interest, illustrated storybooks and daily reading activities.
Currently the Institute of Education at the University of the South Pacific is organizing the Oceania Literacy Development Program, which includes a teacher development program, a literature provision program, and a book development program. Progress in improving literacy rates is slow but should increase with greater government support.
Subject Category : History of Children's Libraries
Language : English
Keywords : School Libraries
Identifier: University of the South Pacific, Fiji