Books are marvellous!
OVER 1,000 children across Jamaica were treated to reading activities from Sagicor Group Jamaica team members as part of the national Read Across Jamaica Day last week Tuesday. Sagicor Foundation donated over 150 books to the schools following the end of the reading day activity.
A total of 12 basic schools were selected and visited by team members from Sagicor Life, Sagicor Bank and Sagicor Investments for special readings of three critically acclaimed children’s books — Irie Morning by Alison Moss-Solomon, Bolo the Monkey by Jonathan Burke and Sandy Tosh and the Moo Cow by Paula-Anne Porter-Jones. Each book was specially curated to highlight the talented pool of local authors.
“We want to encourage our nation’s children to explore the wonderful world held within the pages of books. By improving their relationship with literacy we can develop their critical thinking skills and ability to communicate effectively which will go a long way to improving their language skills,” said Simone Walker, vice-president, group marketing, Sagicor Group Jamaica.
Recognising the significance of focusing on local authors, Walker said, “We wanted to provide relatable and fun stories that would captivate the students. But more importantly, by sharing with them books written, illustrated and published by Jamaican creators, we wanted to remind the students that they too can aspire to create and share their own world.”
At each session, students were actively engaged by Sagicor team members to read aloud to their classmates and participate in question and answer segments following the reading of each book. Children at Collins Close Basic School got an extra treat when author Paula-Anne Porter-Jones joined Sagicor volunteers for a special reading of her new book.
“Reading can be a fun escape to new worlds and it is fundamental to children’s growth and development. Sagicor is proud to play their role in inspiring more youth to build a stronger relationship with literacy,” said Chorvelle Johnson, CEO, Sagicor Bank, after her reading session at the Collins Close Basic School.
The national literacy day was started by the Read Across Jamaica Foundation to provide the opportunity for individuals and local businesses to come together to donate books and volunteer their time to touch the lives of children through literacy.
