ST ANN, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for St Ann North East, Matthew Samuda, on Monday launched the “Books for Babies” initiative at the St Ann’s Bay Infant School, distributing more than 200 books to infants in a push to strengthen early childhood education, in observance of Education Week.

Backed by the CHASE Fund and the Di Cawna Library, the initiative aims to instil a culture of reading from the earliest stages.

Samuda stressed that “the first 1,000 days are so absolutely critical to your future,” while pledging continued support for students throughout their academic journey.

“This is a commitment to you that as you go through your educational journey. We will be there with you at every step of the way to ensure that you have the best chance at succeeding in whatever career you choose for yourself,” he said.

He noted that the effort forms part of a broader education support programme in the constituency.

“Whatever we have access to will go to the children of this constituency because that is the only way to truly turn the corner on the issues that we face,” Samuda added.

Samuda commended teachers for their resilience, particularly during the school’s temporary relocation, and extended early Teachers’ Day greetings.

He encouraged reading at home.

“The way you move from maturity to growth and to prosperity is indeed to read. When you go home, ask your parents to read with you,” he said,

Lionie Bailey of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Region 3, charged parents to make reading with their children a daily priority, emphasising that even a few minutes of shared reading can build confidence, strengthen bonds, and foster a lifelong love for learning.

She reminded parents that they are their child’s first teacher and that their presence and consistency play a critical role in shaping strong literacy foundations and future success.

Chief Executive Officer of the CHASE Fund, Wilford “Billy” Heaven, highlighted that the organisation exceeded its commitment by donating 200 books instead of the requested 150, underscoring its recognition of reading as the foundation of education. Emphasising that reading remains essential to personal and intellectual growth, he expressed pride in supporting young children at an early stage, noting that within them lie the future professionals and leaders needed to build a strong society. He reaffirmed the CHASE Fund’s commitment to contributing to this meaningful initiative.

Education specialist Rachel McDonald, of Di Cawna Library, said she was honoured to support the “Books for Babies” initiative after being invited by Samuda to its launch at St Ann’s Bay Infant School, a certified brain builder centre serving children as young as two. She emphasised that early access to books is essential for building literacy from infancy, noting that learning begins in everyday caregiver interactions—not just in school—and that everyone has a role to play in fostering a literate society.