GND Schools Inc. (GSI) opened its 3rd primary school library in Carriacou at Dover Government School.
The official handing over ceremony of the newly built library was held on Thursday, 23 March 2023.
This library launch was made possible through the partnership between GSI and Grenada Electricity Services Limited (Grenlec). Through Grenlec’s Community Partnership Initiative, GSI received $170,000 to assist with the construction of a brand new 625-square-foot library and an upgraded septic system, which is positioned in proximity to the library. This contribution represents more than 80% of the overall construction costs, with GSI’s input of $30,000.
Features of the modern library at Dover Government School include customised furniture and furnishings for young readers and the provision of 1,132 brand-new books of various reading levels.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Corporate Communications Manager Prudence Greenidge said the work they do under Grenlec’s Community Partnership Initiative is as equally important as providing electricity. Additionally, she stated that Grenlec works with organisations to help communities realise their goals. She also encouraged each student to embrace the gift of the library, which represents the gift of reading.
Hon. Tevin Andrews, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government, along with Principal of Dover Government School Christine McDonald, opened the new library with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Minister Andrews applauded GSI’s Library Development initiative, to provide school libraries across the state of Grenada. He challenged students to utilise the library to its full capacity by reading as often as they could.
In receiving the keys for the new library, Principal McDonald expressed sincere gratitude to GSI, its donors and Grenlec. She said the provision of the comfortable, designated library space with the assistance of a librarian, will help reactivate the school’s reading programme and support the school’s development plan, of which reading is a priority.
Attendees of the library launch included representatives from GND Schools Inc.; Manager at Grenlec’s Carriacou and Petite Martinique Branch Wallace Collins; Ministry of Education Officer for Special Needs Kisha Isaac and other Ministry of Education Officers; parents, staff and students of Dover Government School.
Building the school library at the Dover Government School is part of a greater mission of GSI, whose top priority is to ensure that there are functioning libraries in all public, primary schools in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
To date, GND Schools Inc. has upgraded 28 primary school libraries, including 3 in Carriacou. In addition, GSI has also delivered training in library management to school staff and Ministry of Education personnel in all schools where libraries are upgraded.
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.
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