Twenty pre-schools benefit from ‘Early Pages Programme’

TWENTY PRESCHOOLS across the State have received age-appropriate books under a new initiative by the ‘Hands across the Sea’ programme.

A release from the Ministry of Education said this step towards fostering a love for reading in the formative years, is being done in collaboration with the Mustique Charitable Foundation.

Under this new initiative dubbed “The Early Pages Programme” the beneficiary preschools (17 government run, and three privately owned), have received age-appropriate, colourful, and engaging books designed to spark curiosity and literacy skills among this country’s youngest learners, a release from the Ministry of Education states.

This donation of books is complementary to the organization’s usual donation of literacy resources to primary and secondary schools, the release outlines.

In addition to the preschools, 14 primary schools, and two secondary schools also received literacy resources to support remediation, rejuvenate their existing libraries and restart libraries that were impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

The ministry states that this year’s donation of more than 5,000 new books, kits and learning materials provides approximately 2600 students with books and library supplies, valued at more than US$40,000. The release also states that Hands Across the Sea has donated more than 145,000 books in its 18 years of partnership in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

During the handing over ceremony on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the National Public Library the local Literacy Link, Enna Bullock, stressed the importance of early literacy, expressing that Hands Across the Sea wants preschoolers to receive the treasures found in libraries and literacy initiatives in preparation for Kindergarten. She highlighted that the Early Pages Programme complements the existing early childhood curriculum of the Ministry of Education, as it aims to integrate literacy as an explicit part of the preschool environment, adding that investing in early childhood literacy has long term returns- unlocking opportunity for independence, and providing a voice for students.

Chief Education Officer Kay Martin Jack, acknowledged the important role that Hands Across the Sea has played in the development of literacy in schools in SVG over the years, bearing witness to its impact as evidenced when she served as principal of the Buccament Bay Secondary School.

She affirmed that the Early Pages Programme, and the book donation, will support safe, engaging and literacy rich spaces where the pre-schoolers can explore language, imagination and meaning, re-emphasing that literacy development begins long before a child enters primary school, laying the foundation for life-long learning.

The education chief also expressed appreciation to Hands Across the Sea for their continued partnership with the Ministry of Education.

Education Officer in the Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood Department, Jane Farrell, also expressing appreciation, confirmed their excitement at being included in this year’s initiative. She underscored that the Early Pages Programme is timely and will foster a genuine love for reading.

Meanwhile, Supervisor of the Bequia Anglican Early Childhood Centre, Rochelle Tannis, and principal of the Barrouallie Government School, Joy Haynes, also expressed thanks as beneficiaries.

The ceremony was held under the theme, “Creating a Brighter Pathway for Literacy One Book at a Time.”