GND Schools Incorporated (GSI) has formally renewed its partnership with the Government of Grenada to support literacy development in all public, primary schools across the state.
On Friday, 2 June 2023, a 3-year (2022-2025) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between GSI and the Ministry of Education at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort.
The MOU signing between Chief Executive Officer of GSI Andrea Phillip and Hon. David Andrew, Minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, was witnessed by Chief Education Officer Angella Finlay, officials of the Ministry of Education, Public Primary School principals, students and GSI Staff.
This is the third MOU that GSI has signed with the Government of Grenada since the inception of the non-profit organisation in 2014.
Speaking at the Signing Ceremony, Phillip expressed heartfelt thanks for the Government’s continued support, as GSI furthers its BIG vision of Building Libraries, Increasing Educational Achievement and Growing Learners. “Our trustees say they want to ensure that our Grenadian children are the most educated in the Caribbean; That they are the best readers in the Caribbean, and I think that’s a wonderful target to have. Our trustees and donors, Michael and Melanie Sherwood are in it for the long run, and we are very grateful to them.”
Head of GSI’s governing body, Michael Sherwood, has given in excess of EC$10 million to Grenada’s education sector, making him Grenada’s largest private education sponsor to date.
In her remarks, Finlay, said GSI must be commended for placing emphasis on enhancing the capacity of teachers at the Grade One level, as well as, championing of the Early Grades Reading Assessment (EGRA) for those students.
Hon. David Andrew, Minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, joined in praising GSI’s outstanding work. “We are delighted to partner with any organization that attempts to help the Ministry of Education fulfill its mandate to raise literacy standards, to eliminate illiteracy. We celebrate the work that GSI has been doing over the years; we acknowledge the impact that it has been making and are quite delighted to continue to partner with GSI.”
Following the official MOU signing ceremony, a mini conference was held with principals in attendance, which included discussions around library care and management and the use of GSI Libraries.
GND Schools Inc. is a non-profit organisation collaborating with the Ministry of Education to strengthen early literacy. The organisation promotes literacy development through library construction and renovation; administering annual Early Grades Reading Assessments; providing curriculum support and teacher training, and publishing local children’s storybooks, which are freely distributed to all primary-aged children.
GSI is funded by main donors, Michael and Melanie Sherwood from the United Kingdom and supported by local trustees, Leo Garbutt MBE, owner of the Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel, Lyden Ramdhanny, well-known businessman and Jason Roberts, international sportsman.
My compliments to the sponsors and to the Grenada Government!