Vincy Friendly Workbook for primary schools

A workbook which teaches children about the tourism industry will be distributed to primary schools, free of charge, during the upcoming school year.{{more}}

The Vincy Friendly Workbook consists of a workbook, DVD and CD and was developed under the Tourism and Private Sector Development Programme.

At the official launch of the workbook on Tuesday, Senator Elvis Charles stated that tourism is the country’s main income earner, yet children do not know enough about the tourism product.

“This publication would no doubt assist them in learning as much as they can about tourism,” Charles said.

“Any student can read this booklet and also look at the DVD and learn not only about tourism. It tells us about who is a tourist [and] things we can do in St Vincent and the Grenadines in order to encourage tourists to come to our shores”.

Charles praised the resource for being child friendly, as he believes children would relate the DVD to what they see on their favourite television channels.

“There are so many similarities in looking at the DVD and looking at the cartoon channel. We realize that it would be enjoyable…so many children would gravitate to reading this publication,” he said.

Education officer for Literacy Albena Samuel-Jack said that the Ministry of Education was pleased to partner with the Ministry of Tourism to bring the publication to fruition.

Additionally, Samuel-Jack lauded the resources as being very beneficial for the young minds of the nation.

“The handbook, DVD and CD will go a long way to provide our primary schoolchildren with information that they need in order for them to recognize the importance of this industry and the career opportunities it offers,” she said.

“It will give students at the primary level the opportunity to fully appreciate our cultural heritage and the products we have to offer.

They would know how important it is to be friendly…to be courteous…to be hospitable, when it comes to tourism and these are a vital ingredient to the growth and sustainability of tourism in our country.”

The education officer assured the gathering that the resources will be used effectively to sensitize the children about the many aspects of tourism.

On the DVD, viewers are greeted by enthusiastic teenage hosts Storm Halbich and Lyndsey Dowers, who speak about the importance of tourism and different terms involved in the industry.

Students will have the opportunity to learn from their peers, as children share answers to questions such as “Who is a tourist?”

In addition, they will see the animated Iggy, an iguana who is voiced over using colloquial language.

Children may also sing along to the musical stylings of local artiste Abuza and a catchy song that says “we are so beautiful in St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

Although the resources are designed for the primary level, Charles noted that it is a very versatile product and could be used in secondary schools when the topic of tourism is being dealt with.(BK)