Today various activities are happening in schools across the British Virgin Islands to recognise the 2016 International Literacy Day, held under the theme: “Read Across BVI”.

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Connie George said, “In recognition of International Literacy Day, we are promoting literacy not only in schools, but also in workplaces. Schools will have various reading and writing activities to keep students engaged, and so that they can truly appreciate the important role literacy plays in their lives.”

Education Officer for Language Arts Mrs. Tania Marsh-Harris said, “We want to ignite the willingness to read and the love for reading in all our children. Members of the public are encouraged to visit a school and engage a class in a Read Aloud activity or other fun reading activities and games.”

The education officer also shared a poem she wrote for the occasion, stating, “Come Tortola! Come! From East End to West End, Anegada to Jost Van Dyke, Up to Virgin Gorda and down through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Calling Norman, Peter, Cooper and Ginger Islands, Guana, Beef Island and the Great Camanoe! Words are interesting, exciting and real, take a minute everyone and let’s all read!”

Mrs. Marsh-Harris said schools participated in a Drop Everything and Read or D.E.A.R. activity from 10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. and encourages the public to do the same anytime during the day. Althea Scatliffe Primary School invited parents to read to their child’s class during their D.E.A.R. period at 1:00 p.m.  Students will also be paired during their lunch hour to sit and read to each other or read together.

Students of the Elmore Stoutt High School learned more about International Literacy Day during their homeroom sessions earlier today. Sessions included discussion and written work including poetry and stories.

Other schools in the BVI have set up reading displays, invited guest readers and student storytelling. Businesses are encouraged to set up information displays with reading materials for customers including pamphlets, brochures, magazines and books.

On Saturday, September 10, the BVI Reading Council is hosting the National Walk for Literacy.

On Tortola, individuals and groups are asked to gather at the East End Long Look Community Centre and Central Administration Complex at 5:00 a.m. or the West End Basketball Court at 5:30 a.m. Virgin Gorda residents should gather at the Bond, North Sound at 5:00 a.m. or Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour (The Marina) at 5:30 a.m. Anegada residents should meet at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre and Jost Van Dyke residents at the Jost Van Dyke School at 5:30 a.m.

Registration is $2.00 per person and all proceeds go towards the council’s “Classroom Libraries Project”.

For more information, contact the BVI Reading Council via telephone 468-2530 or email lynden_smith@hotmail.com.  

This year’s celebration of International Literacy Day is being held under the theme: “Reading the Past, Writing the Future” and marks the event’s 50^th anniversary, where education ministers gathered in Iran at the World Congress of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy in 1965.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to creating a “Culture of Excellence”.