MEMBERS of the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios East took the time to read to students in two St Ann schools as part of its celebration of literacy month.

Last week, the group visited Walkerswood All Age School where members read to students and donated books and bibles. They later travelled to Beecher Town Primary where they interacted with grade four students ahead of making a similar donation of books.

“I am flabbergasted; I really appreciate this. This is a farming community and we are not on the main where most NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and other organisations will go and help people,” said Lynell Brown-Jones, principal of Beecher Town Primary. “I am happy and my gratitude goes out to all who have come and shared with us and I look forward to a long and lasting relationship.”

Despite being a new branch of Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios East has vowed to continue to support both adults and children in whatever way possible.

Vice-President Melissa Geness said although the club is only three years old, they have been doing everything possible to assist those in need.

“We have done a lot of community outreach projects and this initiative here is for the month of March,” she said, explaining that March is being celebrated as literacy month by Rotarians.

“The aim is to do a project geared towards literacy whether in schools, or in institutions that deal with literacy. This is how this book project came about to cover the month of March. Whatever is geared towards literacy; that is really what this initiative is about,” she explained.

She said the schools were chosen with the input of a contact person at the Ministry of Education. Two other schools will be visited next week.

“These are similar projects that we do as Rotarians; our aim is to always give back to the community, whether with adults or with kids,” she said.

— Renae Dixon