Chief Education Officer (AG), Elizabeth Walker, in her remarks at the launch of the OECS literacy program said, “reading is critical for the development of our children,” and thanked the OECS for their support in developing the “Early Learners Programme”.
The Chief Education Officer (AG) noted that the programme is tailored with the goal of “improving the reading achievement level of all learners at the early primary level.”
Walker indicated that the first seven years of a child’s life is crucial; since they learn at a much faster pace than any other time in their lives, hence the focus on reading now.
Walker added that ELP has served as an integrating force that brought together organizations and individuals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and across the region, with the goal of executing plans to improve teaching and learning of reading.
She also revealed that the ELP has trained over 400 teachers from Grades K-3 to improve the quality of teaching by incorporating on a daily basis learner centered approaches.
All seventy-one Primary Schools including the Grenadines were equipped with learning resources for students and teachers through the ELP Programme.
Additionally, the ELP awarded ten persons who participated in the ‘Right to Read’ competition, geared at encouraging Vincentians and citizens of other member states, to be creative by writing and publishing their work.