They listened attentively as Prime Minister Bruce Golding read the story Country Mouse Town Mouse.

Despite the presence of strangers in the classroom, the students at North Street Congregational Primary School in Kingston were determined that they would not be distracted because they wanted to get the essence of the story.

In the end, the students in Grade 4CS were able to tell their prime minister about the story.

"It's about being satisfied with what you have," one student told the prime minister yesterday during the culmination of Western Union's Reading Week.

The prime minister told the students that not all that glittered was gold and they should appreciate what they had until they were able to get what they wanted in life.

sometimes it's not nice

"Sometimes you look uptown and see the big houses and big car and you wish you were living up there; but sometimes life is not so nice up there," Golding said.

Prior to Golding reading to the students, a general assembly was held in the church hall. The prime minister urged the students to strive for excellence.

"Pay attention in class. Listen to what the teachers say. Read as much as you can. Don't be afraid to ask your teachers when you do not understand," said Golding.

He added: "Don't let anybody tell you that you can't be what you want to be."

Golding told the students that because they hailed from an inner-city community or a poor family it did not mean that they could not do well.

you are responsible too

"Parents have a responsibility to support you ... but some of the responsibility, as young as you are, is in your hands," Golding said.

Joan Marie Powell of GraceKennedy Remittance Services said Reading Week was a rewarding and successful event for Western Union. She said it was money well spent and was delighted that the company was able to have a positive impact on the lives of students.

Powell added that the company's involvement in education would not end with Reading Week, noting that several other events were to be held over the next few months.

Other persons who read to the students included Michael Sharpe and Paula-Ann Porter-Jones of the RJR Communi-cations Group, entertainer Tessanne Chin and The Gleaner's Sandra Brown-Burke.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com