The Petite Savanne Primary School has been awarded the 2014-2015 Hands Across the Sea literacy prize for Dominica.
The school was awarded its passion and dedication of staff and students to literacy and the creation of a vibrant school library.
The prize include US$1,000 in brand new books of the school’s choice.
Hands Across the Sea first assisted Petite Savanne Primary School with a shipment of 800 books for the 2011-2012 school year, then 500 books for the 2012-2013 school year.
Chief Education Office, Melena Fontaine, who was addressing the handing over ceremony held at the Windsor Park Stadium on Wednesday, spoke of the importance of reading.
She said students who are exposed to reading and acquired a foundational skill at an early age are more likely to do well in all facets of formal education.
“At this age our children at the primary school level are still working on their decoding and comprehension skills and their practice of reading is essential to their continual learning of critical language skills,” she said. “We are aware that the more our children read, the more they are likely to express themselves and relate to others in a healthy way as their communication skills are gradually honed through exposure to new ideas and language.”
According to Fontaine, literacy is essential in developing a sense of well-being.
“As children you have developed strong reading skills, perform better in school and have a healthier self image,” she noted. “They are usually lifelong learners and in the long run are more sort after as employees.”
Considering all these benefits, she believes that the contribution of the Hand Across the Sea to the Petite Savanne Primary School cannot be understated.
Meantime, Hands Across the Sea’s Co-Founder and Executive Director Harriet Linskey said, “There is no doubt that improved literacy skills open the door to a better life, and Principal Oliver Samuel and his staff are demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting reading and writing by making their library an important part of the school.”
Hands Across the Sea, founded in 2007, has served 10,020 children at 77 Dominica primary and secondary schools and reading programs since 2008, sending a total of 42,480 new and near-new books.
As part of each year’s Hands Wish Lists, educators specify the types of books most needed for their school. Hands Across the Sea has shipped over 173,000 books to the region through its Caribbean Literacy and School Support (CLASS) program.
Hands Across the Sea is dedicated to raising the literacy levels of Eastern Caribbean children on the islands of Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
Congratulations to the students and staff of Petite Savanne Primary…
I am so proud of you guys, my past school. 1 day I hope i can give back to you all. Congrats Guys
well done keep up the good work!
Special thanks goes out to Miss Allegra a past peace-corp volunteer who worked really hard, Principal teachers and student. That’s the way to go. They should also thank Jungle Bay Resort for also supplying books to the school through Open Books Open Mind.
Way to go Petite Savanne! Congratulations to teacher Oliver (principal), other staff members and of course the students. I remember my days at that school when we had to sit on the mango roots outside and read the same West Indian Reader over and over again because we didn’t have the luxury of a library. Hope the students appreciate what they have today and make themselves and everyone involved in their development proud.
excellent accomplishment too all students and teachers.
Congratulations are in order to all students and staff.