Remarks by Honourable Sharie B. de Castro

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports
Reading is Fun Week 2023
OCTOBER, 9th 2023

I am delighted to announce the upcoming celebration of "Reading is Fun Week" in our beautiful territory, which will take place from Monday, October 9 to Friday, October 13, 2023, under the inspiring theme, "Reimagining Reading Beyond the Book." This week represents our unwavering commitment to enhancing the literacy skills of our students and fostering a lifelong love for reading.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, is proud to lead several activities during Reading is Fun Week. During this special week, schools across our islands will come together to showcase the practical applications of reading skills in real-life situations. Public and private educational institutions throughout the territory will organize a wide range of activities designed to enrich the reading experience of students.

We will be conducting reading outreach programs to various institutions, including The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, and centers for the elderly across the Territory. If you wish to participate in this noble initiative, please reach out to the Ministry.

Join us for a stimulating panel discussion titled "Reading Beyond my Book" on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 7 to 8 pm on ZBVI. Esteemed panelists will emphasize the significance and benefits of reading, highlighting how it aids in making real-life connections and informed decisions in the 21st century.

Tune in to 284 Media and GIS as students take the reins, presenting news clips and bulletin board updates during the week. Throughout the week, expect to hear a diverse range of individuals, including students, share short excerpts, poems, and more on ZBVI, ZCCR, and FUZE radio stations.

The pinnacle of our celebration will be a joint forum with HLSCC Virgin Islands Studies Institute, titled "Celebrating 80 Years of Secondary Education in the BVI Through the Lens of Past Educators and Students." Our featured local author, Dr. Charles Wheatley, will share insights from his book, "Visions for Education." This forum will be recorded and broadcasted at various times throughout the week.

We invite the entire community to actively participate in these enriching activities and take a moment each day to immerse yourselves in the joy of reading. Additionally, we welcome book donations to support our school libraries. Let us come together as a community to celebrate the power of reading and ignite a passion for lifelong learning in our students. Together, we can reimagine reading beyond the book and pave the way for a brighter future for our Virgin Islands.

Let the joy of reading fill our hearts and minds during this special week. Thank you.