GLAM gives new meaning to lives of Owia Government School students

By Robert McGarry

Giving Life A new Meaning (GLAM), a New Jersey-based non-profit organization visited Owia Government School on the first day of classes and donated a new book bag, a dictionary, and other school supplies to every student. From pre-school to grade six, over 150 bags were given to the children of the North Windward primary school. The students, many of whom did not know they would be receiving new bags, could hardly contain their excitement as they sat in their seats in anticipation, waiting for their turn to collect their bag.{{more}}

Sixth grader Alovanell Lavia says her favourite item she received was the dictionary. She is especially excited to use it to look up new words, which she says will help her do well in the CPEA. Alovanell is hoping to attend Georgetown Secondary School next year.

Owia Government School head teacher Natasha Nero said she really appreciates the gesture, as it shows students that there are people who genuinely care about them not only in St Vincent and the Grenadines, but also abroad. Teachers at the school spoke of the importance of work done by organizations like GLAM, explaining that many of the families of the students who received bags otherwise couldn’t have afforded them. It helps to not only relieve a financial burden for the families, but it also gives the children a sense of pride, walking to school the next day with a brand new book bag. Every staff member spoken to wanted to thank GLAM for all the great work the organization does.

All of the students, staff, and many of the parents listened to GLAM’s founder Isabelle Lorna Lewis, who is originally from Diamonds Village, as she spoke to the packed room about her life of growing up poor as one of 10 children. She inspired the group with her words, “I do not have all that I want, because there are others who do not have what they need.”

GLAM is hoping to meet some of these needs by reaching their goal of giving at least 1,000 new book bags with supplies to students in the Caribbean every year.

If you would like more information on Giving Life A new Meaning or if you would be interested in making a donation to GLAM, please visit their website:www.givinglifeanewmeaning.org