An extra sparkle lit up the faces and warmed the hearts of about 700 Vincentian Primary School children as this new school year opened. They were being encouraged to focus on their education, “a key to open many doors”.
Last week, Isabelle Lewis, founder and spokesperson of the Giving Life A New Meaning(GLAM) visited four schools in St. Vincent to motivate students, their parents and teachers and to present essential school supplies to each student.
While speaking to the school assemblies at New Grounds, Colonarie, Dicksons and Buccament, the GLAM representative touched on her own educational beginnings in Diamond Village, St Vincent.
She also explained to the children how “education enhances the journey” through life and that GLAM chose to step forward at this early stage, to support the journey of children in the Caribbean.
Lewis said, “Although I left St. Vincent many years ago, St. Vincent has never left me, and I always wanted to give back something precious to my blessed homeland So as we give to each of you a backpack with basic school supplies, we hope that in time you too will give back something to help others on their journey.”
Although she did not visit Diamond Village Government School and Diamond Village pre-school in person, contributions were also made to these two institutions.
Some of the persons who made contributions to GLAM accompanied Lewis as she visited the schools.
Among them were Everton Jackson of New Grounds and Toronto, Sheila Billingy of Colonarie and High Wycombe and Sister Cathy Bird of Idaho.
Dr. Veronica Marks and Oscar Allen were also part of the GLAM presentation team, while Bens Auto Rentals also assisted.
The Principal and Staff of the schools gave enthusiastic support to the project and many students and parents expressed heartfelt thanks for the GLAM gifts.
Every year, GLAM intends to expand its support to the education and empowerment of communities in the Caribbean.
This is the second year of its work in SVG, and other countries will receive support in the years ahead. The charity, launched two years ago by Caribbean persons in the USA, solicits donations in order to carry on its work.
Oscar Allen
Thank you to this organization and in particular to Isbella for the foresight and wisdom in looking out for the needs of our children. Our children need this help now more than ever.
It is always a great thing to give back in a tangible way to the underprivileged especially in the field of education.
In states that make it a priority to educate our youngest children studies show students grow up more likely to read and do math at grade level, graduate high school, hold a job, form more stable families of their own. We know this works. So lets do what works and make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind.
President Barack Obama
State of the Union, February 12, 2013