A PROPOSAL ON THE FORMATION OF READING AND SPEAKING CLUB IN METHODIST BOYS HIGH SCHOOL ORON BY THE FOUNDATION FOR

SOUND MIND AND CRISIS INTERVENTION (FOSMACIN) TO THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE AKWA IBOM STATE

PROPOSAL SUMMARY
The proposed project is basically the establishment of reading and speaking club in Methodist Boys High School, Oron in Oron Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, as part of the FOSMACIN reading campaign aimed at reviving the reading culture in the society. Methodist Boys High School Oron happens to be one of the six secondary schools in the state selected for the pilot phase of this project. The project involves inauguration of the reading club, hosting of reading competitions and book summaries, donation of books and regular interactive sessions by stakeholders.

INTRODUCTION/STATEMENT OF PROBLEM For some years now, the standard of education has continued to be a source of concern to the different tiers of government. The situation gets worse each passing year and there is no hope for improvement unless something positive is done. That is why the Foundation for Sound Mind and Crisis Intervention (FOSMACIN) a Non Governmental Organization, aimed at promoting sound mind and attitudinal change, is embarking on the reading campaign in primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State. Moreover, the free and compulsory education introduced by the Godswill Akpabio led administration has brought with it an upsurge in the students population especially in the public schools. This naturally would bring pressure on the facilities which in turn will affect the quality of graduates from these schools. There is need therefore to revive the reading culture in these institutions to ensure that governments investment is adequately rewarded with higher performance by the students.

This campaign was launched in 2008 following the alarming news of the result released by the West African Examination Council in which 83% of the candidates who took the examination could not make the minimum requirement of five credits (including English and Mathematics) for admission into the university. It is a matter of serious concern, disappointment and indeed a pity to acknowledge the fact that academic performance of students over the years is very low. Candidates no longer pass the external examinations at first sitting. This has given rise to examination malpractices, producing such words like masquerades, micro chips, brain support and other related words into our vocabulary. It is also worrisome that even undergraduates cannot make simple correct sentences. The menace has eaten deep into the fabric of our educational system thereby leading to the fallen standard in the educational system. Today it is common to find applicants who are not employable due to lack of effective communication skills. The reason for this decay is not far fetched. The reading culture and the competitive attitude among students to excel is no more there. Even those who would have the interest to read do not have access to books or the right environment that encourage reading. Most schools have no functional libraries to motivate the students. It is against this backdrop that we propose the formation of the reading and speaking club in Methodist Boys High School, Oron, as one of the six pilot schools in the state, with the aim of taking the campaign to other schools in future.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT The FOSMACIN Reading Campaign is aimed at enhancing the reading skills and acquisition of knowledge which will certainly increase life opportunities for the students in the long run. The book summaries are intended to challenge participants while training them in the art of effective communication. The project is also aimed at encouraging the teachers to put
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in their best performance in their assignment of guiding the students into fruitful careers and productive futures. METHODIST BOYS HIGH SCHOOL, ORON The school was selected by the Foundation as one of the two schools to represent Eket senatorial district. So far, three visits have been made to the school to declare our intention, assess the condition of the library, familiarize ourselves with staff and students, determine the level of awareness and commitment by both students and teachers. Questionaires were also sent out to the principal of the school, through which we got to know the perculiar needs of the school. Our findings showed that both staff and students were excited about the campaign. We also enjoyed great support and cooperation from the principal of the school. However, we saw the school library in a very poor state. We were shown round a dilapidated structure with leaking roof, broken window panes and peeling floors. The book-shelves had also surrendered to age while some parts had been eaten by termites. We also found in the library, one table (not library table) and three rickety chairs. In order to revive the library and put it to effective use, the following items will be needed: 1. Book shelves 2. Reading tables / chairs 3. Books 4. Computers 5. World clock 6. Fans / air conditioners 7. Generating set 8. Cement 9. Paint 10.Carpet

METHODS AND DESIGN The programme is designed in such a way that FOSMACIN will work in collaboration with the school authorities to coach the students to improve their reading habits to ensure improved performance. After the inauguration of the programme, the teachers will supervise the reading exercise while the FOSMACIN team will pay regular visits to conduct the internal competitions and prepare the students for the external competitions. The students will be grouped into two categories of the reading club (senior and junior) group. The activities of the club are meant to stimulate the students interest in reading, through competitions and various reward system. FOSMACIN also intends to donate books to the school library in order to jumpstart the exercise. We shall also continue to sensitize the old students of the school and other well meaning indigenes of Oron to donate books and materials to assist the project to succeed. There will also be regular interactive sessions in the school involving the teachers, students, parents and the FOSMACIN team. Prominent indigenes of the area, preferably old students of the school will be invited to address these sessions to act as role models to the students. PROJECT EVALUATION The benefit of this campaign cannot be overemphasized. The improved performance levels on its own confer self esteem, recognition, greater self confidence and sense of empowerment. Most importantly, the reading culture which has been neglected in most students will be revived. The library shall serve as a reference point for students yet unborn and shall increase the percentage of readers that will at the long run become leaders. At the end of one session we shall compare the performance of the students and teachers to determine the impact of the project

FUNDING We do not intend to bill the students rather we shall solicit for funding from our patrons, partners, sponsors and old students of the institution to carry out this project. BUDGET A total sum of five hundred and sixty one thousand naira (N561, 000) only will be needed to carry out the campaign in Methodist Boys High School, Oron for one academic session. DESCRIPTION Prizes for winners of reading competition (1st, 2nd, 3rd position) per term Transport for 2 no. of staff and 5 Volunteers at three visits per term Purchase of books to be donated to the school library Inauguration of reading club Interactive session with teachers/ students / parents at least once per term TOTAL PRICE UNIT AMOUNT 35,000 3 105,000 14,000 100,00 0 80,000 50,000 9 3 126,000 100,000 80,000 150,000 561,000

As a Patron of FOSMACIN, and someone who is passionate about the social development of the youths in Nigeria, we hereby request that you use the goodwill of your office as well as personal contacts to help us achieve the objectives of this project. God bless you. Blessing Nseobong Isonguyo For FOSMACIN 08023390964