TCI: Int’l National Literacy Day marked by local Soroptimist with donation of text books

#Providenciales, September 9, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – One little girl gazed lovingly at the handful of new school text books presented to her by the Soroptimist’s International Club of Providenciales; her reaction is the ultimate reward for a gesture which supports education and remembers the value of books and reading.

“As we celebrate International Literacy Day that was celebrated on September 8, but because it fell on a weekend, we decided to come here today – Monday – to donate text books to nine students from two government primary schools.  The Oseta Jolly Primary School of which we always partner, the Ianthe Pratt Primary School and this year, we decided to partner with Shining Stars,” said Rachel Taylor, Program Action for Soroptimist International of Providenciales. 

Mrs. Taylor reminded that literacy is a human right and informed that Soroptimist has a three-pronged commitment: “To Educate, Enable and Empower.”

All text books for the nine students were purchased to support learning for the entire 2019-2020 academic year and the Soroptimists had help, very generous help from Peta-gay Blake-Thomas of NAGICO Insurance company; yearly sponsors and contributor to the mentorship program of the club.

“We know that text books are extremely expensive, so we want to say thank you to our corporate sponsor NAGICO Insurance who donated a large sum of money toward this project.”

The presentation, made today at the Oseta Jolly Primary School was to beaming students of OJPS, Ianthe Pratt and Shining Stars Preparatory; the children were selected for the assistance with the support of school guidance counsellors. 

Barbard Smith-Handfield, Soroptimist Providenciales president believes having the books enable the children to focus on doing well at school.

“It is our pleasure to present you with these books. We know that education is a priority and we would like to see all of you succeed,”  said President of the club, Barbara Smith-Henfield, “So we are happy to give these books to you on your journey as you learn and as you apply these values.”

The students will no longer have to find some $200, which is the cost for all of the text books.  A robust thank you was delivered to NAGICO and a plea for more support came from Blythe Clare, Membership Officer: “Kindly give us a call so that we can help other children.  We are an NGO and we rely basically on sponsorship and fundraising.  We are only able to help nine children; it would be great if we could round it off to a dozen (children).  Come on board with the Soroptimist; we are here to education, enable and empower our young people because you are the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The young students were encouraged to take care of their books, pay attention in classes and to make the TCI proud.

“I want to say thanks to the Soroptimist for this wonderful opportunity, said Dave Morgan, Principal of Shining Stars Preparatory, who spoke on behalf of the schools, “I guarantee that the students will make good use of the books, the parents will be happy to have them and that at the end of the year, they are going to be really, really successful. Thank you and continue to do this great job.”  

Students also expressed gratitude for the text books.

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