Schools awarded for dedication to literacy

Three schools have been recognized for their dedication to literacy and for the excellence of their school libraries.{{more}}

Chateaubelair and Spring Village Methodist Primary schools have been named the recipients of the 2013/2014 Hands Across the Sea Literacy Awards for St Vincent and the Grenadines. Each school will receive 1,000 U.S dollars in brand new books or other literacy assistance of their choice.

In addition, Buccament Bay Secondary School has won a Public Affairs Service grant, funded by the U.S. Embassy and administered by Hands Across the Sea. This grant has enabled the school to rejuvenate its library.

Hands Across the Sea’s co-founder and executive director Harriet Linskey said: “There is no doubt that improved literacy skills open the door to a better life, and Chateaubelair Methodist Primary School, Spring Village Methodist Primary School, and Buccament Bay Secondary School are demonstrating an enduring commitment to promoting reading and writing through the framework of sustainable borrowing libraries.”

Since its inception in 2007, Hands Across the Sea has been dedicated to raising the literacy levels of Eastern Caribbean children, from pre-school to secondary school.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, Hands Across the Sea partners with the U.S Peace Corps, Scotia Bank and FastCash.

Kevin Jessamy, country manager of FastCash, has congratulated the schools and has pledged his company’s commitment to the programme. He said: “Fastcash is pleased to be part of such a fantastic venture and to be working with Hands Across the Sea, as we continue to support primary and secondary schools in the region.”

Hands Across the Sea has been working closely with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Ministry of Education. The organization also serves schools on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St Lucia, and Grenada.