ICCI students raise cash for primary school books

(CNS): Students at the International College of the Cayman Islands raised $600 this term to contribute to literacy programmes in local primary schools. Savannah Primary, George Town Primary and Bodden Town Primary will each receive a check for $200 to assist their respective library to buy new books. “ICCI Gives Back” is a college initiative where the ICCI Student Council meets quarterly to discuss how students can provide meaningful service to the community. “We really encourage our students to be involved with service at ICCI because it is part of our mission,” said ICCI President Dr David Marshall.

“It is not enough to produce ICCI graduates with knowledge and skills in their fields of study. We have to let students know they have an obligation to take their education and do their part in building their communities and the nation,” he said.

ICCI Student Council Member Kimberly Martin made the check presentation to George Town Primary. “I really feel good about what we are doing as students to help with this literacy project. I think our actions will help these kids develop the reading and writing skills needed to get them to college someday.”

George Town Primary PTA President Cheyenna Stewart said it was an extraordinary gesture. “I was in the middle of ordering more books for the library and this contribution from ICCI students came just in time. Our children have a hunger to read. The more books we can put in front of them, the more we increase their chances of becoming accomplished readers,” she added.

Meanwhile, Savannah Primary Student Librarian Nazia Jacques said she and her three fellow student librarians work to “help everyone understand what they are reading and ask good thinking questions about the stories  they see in their books,” as she promised to put the donation to good use.

“Our students understand how reading can unlock the doors to future success. So for them to see college students stand in front of them to talk about the importance of reading, I think it will have a big impact on them,” said Carol Ann Peart, Savannah Primary Teacher andLibrarian.

“I was sitting right where you were a few years ago,” said ICCI student Kayla Wood told students at her old Savannah Primary school “If you learn to read and do well in school, you too can go to college someday,” said Wood.

The Bodden Town Primary check presentation is scheduled for next week. In the meantime, ICCI students say they are looking for ways to raise more funds to help strengthen reading programs in more primary schools. “I think we are doing the right thing,” said Martin. “I am really proud of my classmates and my school.”