Children like me love to read books very much. Most of my friends' hobby is reading. September is special for us because there are book fairs, book exhibitions and book launches. In other words, September is the month of literacy.

International Literacy Day is celebrated all around the world with UNESCO on September 8. It was first celebrated in 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

The theme for the day is 'Literacy is the best remedy.' It focuses on the relationship between literacy and health. Many world famous writers support the UNESCO to raise public awareness of the extraordinary value of the written word, as a literate society is a healthy society.

According to UNESCO over 774 million adults lack minimum literacy skills and most of them are women. 72.1 million children do not attend school. There is a clear connection between literacy and countries in severe poverty.

As children we should make it a habit to read more books and to get the best use of this Reading Month.

A new school term begins

8 years and below

By Krishni Gomez (7 years), Holy Family Convent, Colombo 4

Our new school term began on the 4th of September.
I was very excited because we were getting a new class teacher.
I got up early that day.
After I got dressed I waited impatiently for the school van.
It seemed to take ever so long to come.
At last it arrived at our gate.
I was happy to see my friends in the van.
When we reached school, I saw my best friends Dinithi and Sahanya.
Our new class teacher's name was Miss Lakmini.
When I came home my Amma explained that the meaning of her name is gem of Sri Lanka.