Preschoolers among students in ‘Early Pages Programme’

In a step towards fostering a love for reading in the formative years, Hands Across the Sea, in collaboration with the Mustique Charitable Foundation, has launched a new initiative dubbed “The Early Pages Programme”.

Under the Early Pages Programme, 20 preschools have received age-appropriate, colourful, and engaging books designed to spark curiosity and literacy skills in our country’s youngest learners.

This includes 17 government-owned and three privately-owned centres and is complementary to the organisation’s usual donation of literacy resources to primary and secondary schools.

In addition to the preschools, 14 schools, 12 primary and two secondary, received literacy resources to support remediation, rejuvenate their existing libraries and restart libraries that were impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

This year’s donation of more than 5,000 brand-new books, kits and learning materials provides approximately 2,600 with books and library supplies, valued at over US$40,000.

Over 145,000 books have been donated by Hands Across the Sea in its 18 years of partnership in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

During a handing-over held under the theme, “Creating a Brighter Pathway for Literacy One Book at a Time” at the National Public Library in Kingstown on Friday.

Literacy Link, Enna Bullock stressed the importance of early literacy, saying 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 ministry’s existing early childhood curriculum by integrating literacy as an explicit part of the preschool environment.

Investing in early childhood literacy has long-term returns, unlocking opportunities for independence and providing a voice for students, Bullock said.

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

She said Early Pages Programme, and, by extension, the donation of books, will support safe, engaging and literacy-rich spaces where our little ones can explore language, imagination and meaning, re-emphasising that literacy development begins long before a child enters primary schools, laying the foundation for life-long learning.

Martin-Jack also expressed appreciation to Hands Across the Sea for their continued partnership with the ministry.

Also expressing appreciation was Jane Farrell, Education Officer in the Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood Department, who expressed excitement at being included in this year’s initiative.

She reiterated that the Early Pages Programme is timely and will foster a genuine love for reading.

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

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