The reading programme at the Questelles Government School (QGS) has received a boost, thanks to the charitable group Hands Across the Sea and the Mustique Charitable Foundation.
Speaking at the handing over of the books on this month, principal of the Questelles Government School, Donette Ferdinand, expressed profound gratitude to the two organisations which enabled them to re-launch their school’s library.
“We at the Questelles Government School (QGS) are extremely grateful to you our partners, Hands Across the Sea and the Mustique Charitable Foundation, for not only taking an interest in our students but you have translated that interest into something tangible and long lasting.”
Ferdinand highlighted several items needed to complete the library, including, chairs and tiles, and repairs to the air conditioning unit. To this end, she made an appeal to persons in the community to support the school
Senior Education Officer, Joycelyn Blake-Browne told the students that she was very pleased to celebrate with them on the re-opening of their library. Reading and literacy, Blake-Browne stated, is a critical concern. She said that being able to read and write is important but not only that – “to be critical thinkers, to read, to learn, to research, to learn about the world, to improve your academic abilities”.
Project Director of the Mustique Charitable Foundation, Dularie Malcolm, explained that the Questelles Government School is not the only school in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to which Hands Across the Sea has donated books.
Malcolm told the staff and students that the organisation puts a lot of thought and effort into the books donated. She stressed that the books are geared towards getting students interested in reading.
Executive Director and Co-Founder of Hands Across the Sea, Harriet Linskey, thanked the Mustique Charitable Foundation for its sponsorship, without which, she said, they would not be able to ship the books to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Marketing Director and Co-Founder of Hands Across the Sea, Tom Linskey, said that in September they will be sending to the school US$1,000 worth of brand new books of their choice.
Past Principal of the Questelles Government School, Albena Jack-Samuel symbolically cut the ribbon to mark the official re-launching of the library.