Jamaican rural community gets two new libraries

Author: [ST JAMES, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)]
Title: Two Trelawny communities get new libraries
Source: The Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, May 17, 2015

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Two-Trelawny-communities-get-new-libraries

Abstract:

The article announces the opening of the Falmouth Infant School Library and the Clarks Town Branch Library in rural Jamaica. The cost of and the source of funds responsible for establishing the facilities are reported. Also reported are facts about the newly constructed facilities including what they offer in terms of equipment.

Speeches are reported from the official opening by Minister Derrick Kellier and Minister of Education, Rev Ronald Thwaites. Minister Kellier is reported as arguing that public libraries have become even more relevant and possess a critical role to play in Jamaica's development by providing access to crucial information sources to foster proper and wise decision-making. Minister Thwaites is reported as urging residents to take care of and make full use of the library facilities and resources.

Excerpt:

The newly constructed Falmouth Infant School Library will serve 220 students and is equipped with reading and information material, new technologies including electronic games, interactive software, multimedia projector, and a television.

In Clarks Town, the multi-purpose facility features a research centre, computer room, meeting room, kitchenette, store room, an office, lunch room, staff and public bathrooms.

In addition to providing traditional library services, the centre will also offer free computer and Internet access, as well as adult literacy, computer training and the High School Equivalency Diploma programme.

Jamaican school library gets $2 million makeover

Title: Donald Quarrie High gets $2m library makeover

Date published: Monday, October 06, 2014

Source: Jamaica Observer
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Donald-Quarrie-High-gets--2m-library-makeover_17691945


Abstract:

Article reports on the Jamaica Private Power Company's (JPPC) contribution of a refurbished library and computers valued at $2 million to the Donald Quarrie High School.

Reported speech from the general manager of the JPPC, Ingrid-Christian Baker, provides the rationale for the firm's initiative. Also reported are statements from the Chief education officer in the Ministry of Education, Dr Grace McLean, encouraging students to make the best use of the resources and commending the JPPC for its community outreach.

Details are also given about the nature of the library's refurbishing work done including:

• re-polishing shelves
• constructing new pieces of furniture
• tiling the floor
• extending partitions that separate the adjoining computer lab
• applying fresh paint to the walls
• installing new air conditioning units and 
• providing new computers and a server system to be housed in the space

Excerpt:

STUDENTS at Donald Quarrie High School now have an added boost to the academic programme at the institution, thanks to the Jamaica Private Power Company (JPPC).
Last week the East Kingston-based power company handed over a refurbished library and computers valued at $2 million to the institution.

According to general manager of the JPPC, Ingrid-Christian Baker, the library refurbishing fits into the company's mandate of 'Empowering Dreams, Empowering Lives and Empowering Community'.

Rural Jamaican public library stages first reading competition for boys

Author: Alicia Sutherland
Title: 'Boys who read will lead'
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Monday, May 05, 2014  
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/results/-Boys-who-read-will-lead-_16602614

Abstract:
This news article reports on a reading competition for Grade 4 boys put on by the Manchester Parish Library. The winners of the competition are announced and background information about the purpose of the competition is given. The sponsors of the event are mentioned. It is also reported that this year was the first, for the Boy's Reading Day event.

The article reports speech from the winning school's senior teacher, Eileen Chantiloupe, who makes
mention of the refurbishing of a school library and a resource centre with computers for Richmond Primary School.

Lorraine McLean, the Director of the Jamaica Library Service in Region 5 (Manchester and St Elizabeth), is also reported in sharing her views on the usefulness of information and communication technologies in teaching boys and her anticipation for the implementation of proposed plan of the ministry of science and technology for the distribution of electronic tablets in schools. The article also reports McLean's outlining other services and programmes of the Jamaica Library Service including being the largest provider of free Internet service to the public, the National Reading Competition, Children's Hour on Fridays and a homework programme at selected branch libraries in Region 5.


Development officer at the constituency office, Trishanna Archer, is reported as praising the Jamaica Library Service for 'a long history of making connections, showcasing love, care and appreciation for communities' as well as for the boy's reading competition initiative.


Excerpt:

The event has been taking place for the past six years in an effort to encourage Grade 4 boys to develop a positive attitude to reading and to improve their results in the Grade four Literacy Test.

Director of the Jamaica Library Service in Region 5 (Manchester and St Elizabeth) Lorraine McLean told Jamaica Observer Central that she was particularly proud of Richmond Primary because she has seen their growth from "strength to strength".

Eileen Chantiloupe, a senior teacher at the school, said that the children are of "mixed ability" and the strategy used in teaching is to "meet them where they are".

Currently, students are engaged in storytelling, poetry writing and dramatisation.

Jamaica Library Service to benefit from special grant funding

Author: Latonya Linton
Title: Library Service Receives Boost from Gates Foundation
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published:  May 8, 2014
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/library-service-receives-boost-gates-foundation/


Abstract:
Article reports on news that the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) has received US$2 million in grant funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A synopsis is provided of how the funds will be used, namely to implement  the ‘JLS: Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’ project. A synopsis of the project is provided. According to the author the project will boost public access to information resources mainly through the installation of hardware and software. The article indicates how many libraries are to benefit from the initiative, how many computer systems will be installed as well as the commencement date of the project.

This news was announced in the Minister of Education's, the Hon Rev Ronald Thwaites, address to the House of Representatives during his contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate on May 7. During his address, the Minister is also reported as announcing that the Jamaica Library Service is to also benefit from grant funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Sugar Transformation Programme. The article also outlines that this grant funding is earmarked to enhance library services in select sugar dependent communities. Specifically, these projects include constructing and equipping new infant school libraries at the St. John’s and Savanna-la-mar Infant Schools in Westmoreland and Falmouth Infant School in Trelawny.
The Minister is also reported as informing the House of a planned upgrade to the Alexandria Branch Library in St. Ann through the assistance of the Government of Japan.

Excerpt:

Under this initiative, 127 public libraries will benefit from the Project; six mobile libraries will be provided; approximately 843 state-of-the-art computer systems will be installed; and senior citizens, persons from rural communities, the unemployed and persons with disabilities will be direct beneficiaries. The Project will be launched in November 2014.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Library Service is also the beneficiary of grant funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Sugar Transformation Programme totaling $58 million.

This will be used to enhance library services in select sugar dependent communities. The projects include the construction and equipping of new infant school libraries, at the St. John’s and Savanna-la-mar Infant Schools in Westmoreland and Falmouth Infant School in Trelawny.

Ground breaking for the Accompong Town Primary and Junior High School library and media centre

Author: Paul Williams
Title: Mystic Bowie Delivering The Goods In Accompong Town
Date published: January 11, 2014
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140111/news/news1.html

Abstract:

Article reports on an event to break ground for the building of a library and media centre for a Jamaican school, commemorating the historical events particularly significant to the Jamaican Maroon community. Background information is provided on the major sponsor or donor for the project, Mystic Bowie and the set of events that lead to the initiative. The article also reports on Bowie's motivation for sponsoring the project. Further provided is information about the ground breaking event, including a list of some of the persons attending, including Coral B. Barnett, principal of the Accompong Town Primary and Junior High School and Director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Dahlia Harris. Other information provided in the article deals with some minor details about the building itself and some of the equipment and resources that it is expected to house.



Excerpt:

ACCOMPONG TOWN, St Elizabeth:One year ago, Mystic Bowie, a producer, reggae singer, and international recording artiste, who was born Fitzroy Alexander Campbell in Accompong Town, St Elizabeth, in the presence of members of the Government and Opposition, broke ground for the building of a library and media centre at the Accompong Town Primary and Junior High School. This took place as part of the Accompong Maroons' observance of Captain Cudjoe's birthday and the 275th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty with the British.

In speaking with Rural Xpress at the time, the Connecticut, United States, resident said, "I am 100 per cent committed, if not, I would be wasting my time." As a member of the Council of Overseas Maroons, he was approached by the council's president/secretary, Coral B. Barnett, for assistance to the school and the community.

The building of the aforementioned complex was the main assistance Bowie suggested, and from all indications, he is delivering on his promise, and stage one of the project is now complete. It consists of the main hall for the library and computer clusters, an administrative office, and a rooftop space for the hosting of special events. The special-events level wasn't part of the original plan, but it will be part of the fundraising outreach to maintain the centre.

Urban Jamaican secondary school gets new library/media centre

Author: Douglas McIntosh

Title: Campion Gets New Library/Media Centre
Date published:  25 October 2013
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads-100/35422


Abstract:

This article announces the newly constructed library/media centre at an urban Jamaican secondary school. Mentioned in the article is the naming of the facility, some details of the infrastructure, the amount donated to construct it and the principal contributors to the construction project. The reporter also reports on the formal launch of the facility and the speeches by the Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, Chairman of the Vision 2020 Campaign, under which the Centre’s development was carried out, Andrew Mahfood, and a representative from the family after which the facility was named. Both Mahfood and Adam Stewart who spoke on behalf of the family are reported as providing their comments about what they envision the new library will do for the school. Also reported are speeches from the Chairman of Campion’s Board, Anton Thompson, and the principal, Grace Baston, giving their appreciation for the facility and what they envision it will do for the students and the school.


Excerpt:

Campion College’s academic programme for its 1,450 enrolled students has been significantly strengthened by a newly built library/media centre at the institution’s Old Hope Road campus, in St. Andrew.

The facility, the Jonathan Stewart Library Media Centre, is named in honour of the late Campion College alumnus and son of hotelier and business mogul, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.
Construction of the centre, which has been outfitted with a range of state-of-the-art information technology solutions and applications, was undertaken at a cost of US$1.4 million, of which Mr. Stewart’s family donated some US$350,000.

The remaining sum, inclusive of US$200,000 in gifts, was raised through various donations and fund-raising efforts by past students and friends of the school.

Rural school library in Jamaica mounts information literacy awareness display

Author: Karen Sudu
Title: Innswood High 'SHINE' On Jamaica Day
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Saturday | February 23, 2013 0 Comments
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130223/lead/lead9.html#disqus_thread

Abstract:
The article reports on a rural school library in Jamaica, where Dacian Forrest-Gray, the librarian briefly discusses her school library event and the aim of the event. Mentioned is the effort to get the students to become aware of information literacy skills and its importance for their academic success.


Excerpt:
"Today, we decided to have an open day for the school library, where we showcase the library, information literacy, so we mounted a display titled SHINE - Sustained Habits for Improved Necessary Educational Empowerment," explained Dacian Forrest-Gray, librarian.

She added: "We have recognised that our students are not so much information literate and they are not so keen on their educational goals, so we want them to SHINE, and we wanted to show them students who were shining, students who have achieved," said Forrest-Gray.

Jamaican rural community to get new library and computer facility

Author: Garfield Angus
Title: Accompong to Get Library and Computer Centre
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published: January 8, 2013
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/32680


Abstract:

The article reports on an event launching the construction for a library in a rural community in Jamaica. The  Minister of Education, Hon. Ronald Thwaites, in his reported speech at the ceremony, informs us about the investor or sponsor behind the project and the cost involved. Minister Thwaites also comments on the potential benefit of public and private partnership on the education of children. The time period of the construction and the exact location of the site is also announced.

The community library is to be built on the grounds of  Accompong Primary and Junior High School, and as such, the article also reports on the reaction of the school's principal, Garfield Rowe. Rowe reports in the speech the users that the facility will serve, which includes both the children and adults of the Accompong community.

Both the principal and Minister of Education are reported as praising the investor/sponsor of the project. The sponsor of project, Mystic Bowie, in turn is described by the article as a recording artiste and music producer, a resident of the area, who is living overseas. In his reported speech the sponsor states his personal vision for the the community and how he sees the project as fulfilling that vision by empowering the children of the community with needed educational resources.

Excerpt:

Work will get underway next month on the construction of a state-of-the-art library and computer centre in the community of Accompong in St. Elizabeth.

The project is being funded by recording artiste and music producer, Mystic Bowie, a resident of the area, who is living overseas.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday (January 6), Minister of Education, Hon. Ronald Thwaites, said the project is significant for the Maroon community and lauded Mr. Bowie for investing more than $6 million (US$65,000) “in the building of education for his community”.

First Jamaican public secondary school to get e-book platforms

Author: By Chris Patterson, Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Reporter
Title: New e-library Programme to boost Learning at Jamaica College
Date published: Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/100-education/30045-new-e-library-programme-to-boost-learning-at-jamaica-college

Abstract:
The article reports on the launch of EBSCO e-library platform for the Jamaican public secondary school, Jamaica College. The Executive Member, Jamaica College Old Boys’ Association, Stephen Dawkins, describes some of the features of the platform.

Endorsement by the Minister of Education, Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites is also reported. Thwaites also admonishes the students about the type of learners that Jamaica needs.

Statements on the integration of technology into learning are also reported from the Vice Principal for the Lower School,  Rohan Wong, and Public Relations Manager at FLOW, Jeanette Lewis. The contributors towards the platform's acquisition are identified, namely the Jamaica College Old Boys Association, and FLOW, as well as other institutions in the island which use EBSCO e-book platforms including the University of the West Indies (UWI), and private schools,  such as the American International School of Kingston (AISK).

Also, a brief background and history is also provided of the school.


Excerpt:

With the click of a button, students and teachers at one of the country's oldest secondary institutions, Jamaica College (JC), in Kingston, will have access to hundreds of digital books, photographs, and recordings through their e-library programme.

This means that students will now have the option of visiting the school’s library or using the virtual platform of the Elton B Stephens Company (EBSCO) e-library, which was launched on March 9.

Catering to user needs and preferences at every level of research,  the system can be used to easily move from the catalogue to the particular book, then to a particular chapter.

Jamaica College is the first and only public secondary school in the country to have implemented the EBSCO e-library platform.

NCB Foundation donates to Mountain View Primary School library

Title: NCB shares passion for reading
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Sunday | February 20, 2011
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110220/arts/arts6.html

Abstract:
Article reports on a local bank's initiative towards promoting reading in a Jamaican primary school. At the end of the article, NCB Foundation's contribution to the school in terms of reading and library material and equipment is mentioned.


Excerpt:

Through the NCB Foundation's 'Love for Reading' programme, the students from grades one to six sat in groups and listened keenly as NCB employees engaged and encouraged them to read.

The 'Love for Reading' programme was developed to ignite a passion and love for reading among students at the primary-school level. The programme includes NCB employees becoming personally involved by conducting reading sessions with students at primary schools islandwide with an aim to encourage them on the importance of reading. Having previously invested and partnered with Mountain View Primary School it was a natural fit for NCB to return to the school to put to work the investment.

The NCB Foundation donated $80,000 worth of books, a computer and a multimedia projector to upgrade and improve the library facilities at the school. This was done in an effort to provide an environment for the students to learn and improve their reading skills.

Barbados school library gets books from US embassy and BYAP

Author: CT
Title: US, BYAP boost St George’s library
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published: Tue, January 25, 2011 - 12:00 AM
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/us-byap-boost-st-georges-library/

Abstract:
This article reports on the US embassy and the Barbados Youth Action Programme (BYAP)'s gift of books to a school library in Barbados. The quantity of the donation and the general subject matter of the books are mentioned.

Excerpt:

THE UNITED STATES EMBASSY to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and the Barbados Youth Action Programme (BYAP) yesterday teamed up to give a book boost to the St George Secondary School.

The school received 56 books, a donation that was coordinated by the BYAP and much appreciated by librarian of the school, Sonia Callender.

NCB donates books to Alpha Academy school library

Title: A time for reading
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, January 23, 2011
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/A-time-for-reading_8291356

Abstract:
Photograph with a brief caption showing the assistant branch manager for NCB Duke Street reading a copy of Souldance by Jean Lowrie Chin with Alpha Academy students, as NCB donated copies of the book and copies of Usain Bolt's biography, titled Usain Bolt 9.58 to the school's library.


Excerpt:
The NCB Foundation donated copies of Usain Bolt's biography, titled Usain Bolt 9.58, as well as Jean Lowrie-Chin's Souldance to the school's library.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/A-time-for-reading_8291356#ixzz1BuXpZnCM

Jamaica to host international conference for school librarians

Title: Jamaica to host international librarian conference this year
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Sunday, January 16, 2011

URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110116/arts/arts4.html

Abstract:
Article announces the International Association of School Librarianship conference to be held in Jamaica.


Excerpt:

Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) will host the 40th Anniversary Conference of the International Association of School Librarians (IASL), at the University of the West Indies, Mona, from the 7th to 11th August 2011, under the theme: 'School Libraries: Empowering the 21st Century Learner.'

IASL, which was founded in Kingston, Jamaica, in August 1971, approved the contract in Padua, Italy in 2009 for Jamaica to host the 2011 Conference.

Barbadian School gets new mobile library, institutionalises reading

Author: MICHELLE SPRINGER
Title: Reading - food for thought
Source: Barbadian Nation News
Date Published on: January 26, 2010
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/new-library-for-George-Lamming-School-copy-for-web

Abstract:
The article reports on the visit of a Barbadian author to pupils of the George Lamming Primary School, which was named in his honour. The students received the visit from the writer George Lamming, who was there to open and formally launch the mobile library. Excerpts of the speech that he gave encouraging the habit of reading is recorded in the article.

Plans to instutionalise the habit of reading in the school are also mentioned, including the production of a school magazine to be written and edited by students.

Finally, Lamming pledges to donate 700 books to the school library. The delight of the Principal at this new library is also expressed.


Excerpt:

Senior teacher at the school, Anthony Coward, said it was hoped that out of a centralised culture of reading the school would produce a magazine of poetry and prose, which would be written and edited by the students.

Lamming concluded his opening remarks by telling pupils that he would assist the school in providing 700 books to the library, the same number as the school's enrolment.

Principal Barbara Grant described the new library as "a long cherished dream".

New school "library" to receive local Jamaica Information Service materials

Title: Three Schools in St. Catherine Benefit from JIS Donation
Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date published: Sunday, November 29, 2009
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/officepm/html/20091129t190000-0500_22082_jis_three_schools_in_st__catherine_benefit_from_jis_donation__.asp

Abstract:
A number of Jamaican schools received donations of local materials from Jamaica Information Service. One such school is a primary school recently upgraded from an all-age school. In this report, the principal of that school, Hazel Bradford expressed her gratitude for the materials and indicates how the materials will be used. The principal also mentions how the institution converted classrooms to a library in order to faciltate the upgrade.

Excerpt:

"At Seafield Primary and Infant, Principal, Hazel Bradford, also stated her delight with the JIS donations.

She explained that the school recently converted two classrooms into a library following a change from all-age to primary status.

"With the JIS contribution, our students will be very knowledgeable about their heritage," she stated, while informing that the materials will be added to the library's collections."

National Commercial Bank Foundation Upgrades Jamaican High School library

Title: Upgraded computer centre for Titchfield High School
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Monday, November 2, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20091102/news/news3.html

Abstract
The article reports on the results of the work done by a principal, school board, school librarian and other staff, in writing a proposal for an improved library and electronic resource facility. Their efforts lead to the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation sponsoring the upgrade of their facilities. Now due to their pursuit of their dream and vision to address the dissatisfaction with their library facility, they now have a well equipped library with "air conditioning, soft, comfortable chairs and Internet-ready computers".

Excerpt

Titchfield High School recently opened the doors to its newly upgraded computer and library centre in the presence of students, teachers, past students and members of the Port Antonio, Portland, community.

The project, which was funded by the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation, began in 2007 and will benefit the school's population of 1,900 students. The new upgrades to the centre include an additional 12 computers, chairs, tables and bookshelves.

"For many years, not many persons were satisfied with the facility we had as a library," said Richard Thompson, principal of Titchfield High School. "One such dissatisfied person was Mrs Ivy McKenzie, our late principal. She spoke glowingly of a comfortable, spacious environment for her students to do research, with information available at their fingertips."

US Embassy gives to a Jamaican School Library

Title: US Embassy gives Mona High Library a boost
Source: Jamaica Observer's Teenage
Date Published: Tuesday, October 13, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/TeenAge/html/20091012T200000-0500_161659_OBS_US_EMBASSY_GIVES_MONA_HIGH_LIBRARY_A_BOOST.asp

Abstract:
This article reports on donations that the United States Embassy in Kingston made to a Jamaican high school. Included in the reported are some examples of the resources that were donated.

The article also reports on the embassy's Information Resource Centre (IRC) and the type of serivces and information it provides.


Excerpt:

The US Embassy in Kingston gave the Mona High School a boost last Wednesday, when the embassy presented the school with a brand new desktop computer and laser printer, as well as over 120 books.

The gifts earmarked for the school's library, includes titles from the Scholastic Secondary Ambassador collection among other books.

Jamaica's CHASE fund funds a school library project

Title: CHASE Fund to Contribute $1 Million to Glenmuir High
Source: MANDEVILLE, Jamaican Information Service (JIS)
Date Published: Friday, October 02, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/finance_planning/html/20091002T140000-0500_21357_JIS_CHASE_FUND_TO_CONTRIBUTE__1_MILLION_TO_GLENMUIR_HIGH.asp


Abstract:

The article reports on the speech by the Chief Executive Officer of the CHASE fund, Billy Heaven, about plans to fund the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre, in Clarendon with one million dollars. Heaven declares also the number of school libraries that have benefited from the fund.

Background information is also given about the CHASE fund and the typical projects that it supports, in addition to its sources of income.

The article also briefly mentions how the funding from CHASE fund will be used for the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre.


Excerpt:

The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, will be contributing $1 million to the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre, in Clarendon.

This was stated by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Billy Heaven, at the school, on September 30.

"We have already committed the funds; it is a question of the drawdown as soon as the library is up and running. They are constructing a new building and therefore we will be equipping that building," he told JIS News.


The library and resource centre will be equipped with a multi media projector and screen, printer and a speaker system which, according to Principal of Glenmuir High, Mr. Clement Radcliff, will be especially beneficial to students studying Spanish.

Scotiabank develops school library in Trinidad and Tobago

Title: Scotiabank develops library at Lady Hochoy Home
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian
Date Published: 13 July 2009
URL: http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2009/07/13/scotiabank-develops-library-lady-hochoy-home

Excerpt:

Scotiabank has embarked on a library development project at the Lady Hochoy School in Penal. Staff members of the bank’s Penal Branch have been volunteering their time and efforts to regularly visit the school, walking with their paint brushes, to ensure that the library is in top condition.

According to Reena Panchorie, Assistant Manager, Public and Corporate Affairs, at Scotiabank T&T Ltd, “This effort by the Penal Branch is part of the Bank’s Bright Future Program, a corporate giving and community programme that helps support opportunities for the children and communities in which we live and work.

Abstract:

A branch of the Scotiabank in Trinidad and Tobago has taken on a project of corporate social responsibility focusing on the development of children in the community. This project involves staff volunteering to work in and on developing the Lady Hochoy School library.

Jamaican Festival Queens to work with school library and promote reading

Title: Festival Queens foster development
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date Published: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Entertainment/html/20090714T220000-0500_155400_OBS_FESTIVAL_QUEENS_FOSTER_DEVELOPMENT.asp

Excerpt:

The Festival Queen 2009 contestants are focusing their grace, talent, intellect and beauty on boosting Jamaica's development. The parish queens are engaged in numerous community projects that foster nation-building across Jamaica. They are tackling issues as diverse as sexuality, marginalised males, and literacy.


Literacy has the attention of Shanna-Kay Williams, Miss Portland and Kelonie Noble, Miss Hanover. Ms. Williams will be working at the Windsor Castle All-Age School library with 'Recovery of the Youth', a book drive and book club to promote reading. Ms. Noble will carry out the "Read to Succeed" project at Escher Primary.

Commentary:
On Monday, 25 May 2009, on this blog, it was posted that a Jamaican Librarian, Kelonie Noble, was crowned parish queen. This post is a follow up to that post, as it covers the national finals for the Jamaican Festival queen competition. Ms Noble, now unto the finals is engaged in a project to promote reading.

For more information on the competition visit http://www.jcdc.org.jm/ms_ja_bg.htm.

For more information about the organising body behind the Jamaica Festival Queen Competition visit http://www.jcdc.org.jm/index.php.

If you are still interested in knowing more about the competition and its rules, visit http://www.jcdc.org.jm/entryforms/2k9_forms/Fest_Queen_Entry_Form.pdf for guidelines.



Abstract:
Jamaican Festival Queens undertake several projects. Among them are literacy and reading promotion projects. One festival queen, Shanna-Kay Williams, Miss Portland, will be working with the school library at the Windsor Castle All-Age in a programme entitled 'Recovery of the Youth'. This project will establish both a book drive and a book club to promote reading.

Kelonie Noble, another festival queen [and Librarian], is involved in the project "Read to Succeed", which targets the Escher Primary school.