Nay Pyi Taw May 9
A ceremony to launch “developing libraries and raising reading habit campaign” took place in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory at the Nay Pyi Taw City Hall this morning, with attendances of Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla.
Also present at the ceremony were Council Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo and wife, council members and their wives, union-level dignitaries, union ministers and their wives, the chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, departmental officials, well-wishers and guests, officials from associations from Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and Nay Pyi Taw Libraries Foundation, member of Nay Pyi Taw Book Club, village librarians, town elders, teachers, youths from maritime and aviation training courses, outstanding students, scout youths, Red Cross members and students.
The Senior General and those attendees watched presentation of students from No 11 Basic Education High School with the song “Let’s go to library” and viewed a video clip on raising the library.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that efforts are being made to develop libraries and raise reading habit for effectively broadening the scope of knowledge for the people as the country faces requirements in knowledge. Donations of books started in April to open more and more libraries and develop work process of libraries.
This ceremony will be the third ceremony for libraries.
Everybody wishes to have development. In the past, an antique film “Who can compete to be beautiful” focusing on literacy campaign showed active participation of learners in the 3-Rs movement. Individuals without literacy will face difficulties in socio-economic development.
According to the literacy rate in the 2019 interim census, Myanmar had 92 percent of literacy rate. But, most of the people have completed just primary education, and they are beyond the school age.
Hence, it is necessary to create chances for them to accumulate knowledge and technologies in the society. In order to achieve success in national vision of the State, it is necessary to turn well-versed human resources as a must to establish a developed society and a prosperous society and build Myanmar capable of keeping abreast of global countries. To do so, educated citizens must be turned out.
Number of educated persons must be produced for development of a country. All developed countries encourage enhancement of education sector. As the countries with number of educated persons have a wide range of knowledge, they can realize any political systems stability. Although they can solve political controversies through political culture, the countries with lesser number of educated persons can face conflicts. Hence, the literacy campaign for all is being implemented for raising number of educated people and then heading to increase number of educated persons.
As Myanmar needs to raise education qualification movement, the developing libraries and raising reading habit campaign will be launched in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. According to the educational data, changing of student grade declines in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area yearly as well as the whole country. Such a form of declining may harm increasing number of educated persons in the country.
So, encouragement is being given to rising the changing of student grade. Moreover, library development is being encouraged for the students not involved in the changing of student grade to have knowledge.
Although people can read literature online media to raising the reading habit, it is necessary to choose the literature beneficial for their lives due to influence of toxic information in online media. Reading can contribute their lives. Hence, it is necessary to choose the best literature for supporting the socioeconomic life. It is necessary to establish and upgrade libraries at schools. Officials need to supervise libraries for providing useful books and publications for rural people and students.
When delving into literature, it’s essential to transition from reading for pure pleasure to seeking knowledge. The Ministry of Information, alongside the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Welfare, consistently releases aesthetic book publications on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis, often featured in newspapers. The generous donations of both funds and books for library development are truly commendable.
I express heartfelt gratitude for these noble contributions, recognizing their enduring impact on individuals’ lives. Building a reservoir of accurate and valuable knowledge serves as an invaluable asset throughout one’s lifetime, underscoring the importance of fostering reading opportunities for all.
As we embraced responsibility, initiatives were undertaken to transform Nay Pyi Taw into a green, clean, and smart city while fostering a smokeless industry. Central to this vision was the encouragement of educational infrastructure, including the establishment and expansion of universities, to shape Nay Pyi Taw as a hub of learning. It is imperative that the Nay Pyi Taw council area sets a precedent for other regions and states, particularly in education. Consequently, the ongoing “library development and reading promotion activities” are purpose-driven, requiring the attention of all officials.
While these efforts are centered in Nay Pyi Taw, similar endeavors must be encouraged across regions and states, as they are integral to national development.
Sustained commitment is crucial to ensuring widespread public engagement in this movement.
Next, the Senior General, wife and family made a cash donation that the union information minister accepted.
Then, the Myanmar Library Development Cooperation Committee, the Nay Pyi Taw Council, region and state governments and well-wishers made their cash donations for the construction of more library buildings.
The Senior General accepted the donations and presented them with certificates of honour.
A total of Ks-1,027,624,380 and 85,540 publications donated at the ceremony on April 10 were then handed over to various regions and states including the Union Territory. The Senior General handed over Ks-230 million for repairing 46 libraries in the 14 regions and states and Ks-405 million for 27 new libraries totalling Ks-635 million and 67,780 books and publications to the union information minister.
Then Ks-20 million to renovate and open 4 libraries in Nay Pyi Taw and Ks-45 million to build and open 3 new libraries totalling Ks-65 million and 3,000 books and publications were handed over by the Senior General to the Nay Pyi Taw Council chairman.
After that, retired Mandalay University Rector and National Literary Award winner Dr. Tin Shwe, who was a first-year university outstanding student in 1974, Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winner and writer Dr. Maung Thin, gave talks on the benefits of studying and reading literature.
Then, the Senior General and those who attended the ceremony enjoyed the performances by the students in Nay Pyi Taw.
Later, the Senior General and the attendees of the ceremony viewed the displayed books and photo records with interest.
At the “Library Development and Reading Promotion Campaign” held today, it was reported that the total donation of library facilities for the development
of libraries is Ks-2,205 million for 147 libraries and 70,780 books and publications.
