9 years and below
My favourite storybook character
My favourite storybook character is ‘Snow White’. She is in the ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ storybook written by the Grimm Brothers long ago.
Snow White is the fairest lady in all the land. I like her beautiful red, yellow, white and blue mixed long frock, red shoes and her hair-band.
I wish I could be kind, innocent, lovely, gentle and sweet like Snow White, but not like her evil, rude, unkind and jealous stepmother.
I feel so sad about Snow White because she gets many troubles from her stepmother. She tries to kill Snow White several times but fortunately the seven dwarfs and the royal huntsman rescue her.
Snow White even admires the nature and animals. Therefore they also help her back. Every time she doesn’t think that she is a princess. She thinks that she is a normal young girl. That’s the main reason I like Snow White. She inspires me a lot.
Seja Abeywickrama (9 years)
Southlands College, Galle
10 – 12 years
Importance of Reading
Reading is a very good habit that one needs to develop in life. Good books can inform you, enlighten you and lead you in the right direction. There is no better companion than a good book. Reading is important because it is good for your overall well-being. Once you start reading, you experience a new world.
When you start loving the importance of reading, you eventually get addicted to it. Reading develops language skills and vocabulary. Reading is also a way to relax and reduce stress. It is important to read a book at least for a few minutes each day to stretch the brain muscles for healthy functioning.
Books really are your best friend as you can rely on them when you are bored, upset, depressed, lonely or annoyed. They will accompany you anytime you want them and enhance your mood. They share with you information and knowledge any time you want. Good books guide you to the correct path in life.
Sheema Sarfaz (11 years)
Taprobane College Int., Kalutara
13 – 15 years
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day is an international observance celebrated on September 8th each year. It was declared by UNESCO on October 26, 1966.
Literacy is a fundamental human right for all. It opens the door to the enjoyment of other human rights, greater freedoms and global citizenship as well as it is the foundation for people to develop knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and behaviour. Education is an important human right but one that is impossible to embrace without literacy.
There are 750 million uneducated adults around the world. Most of them are women. Even when there is school nearby, children can’t succeed without the right material. Sometimes, one text book is shared between a class-room of students. Literacy for children means greater success in school. Literate kids have more options. Literacy for girls gives them more control over their future. Literacy for mothers’ is closely related to child survival. Literacy for parents means better high-paying jobs, so they can do more for their children.
Although different countries have been trying to promote literacy on their own, the problem is illiteracy of worldwide in scope. We need international action for this problem.
Vihansa Wijenayake (14 years)
St. Paul’s Girls’ School, Milagiriya
