It was a carnival atmosphere in the streets of Anse La Raye last week as the Anse La Raye Infant School staged a reading street parade, reimaging education and literacy in a different space. Principal at the school, Albert Joseph endorsed the event and the innovativeness of the teaching staff in making learning fun.

“What we are doing here we are bringing books to life. So it’s not about reading about characters in books but now they are actually here bringing those imaginary characters to life. We have five books that are being presented today, these are the sections and of course, the parents have gone all the way out to really make it a special day for the students.”

“My character is Turkey Lurky.” (Student from Anse La Raye)

“My character is Tinker Bell and I feel happy.” (Student from Anse La Raye)

The cute factor was on full display with students enjoying a carnival atmosphere much to the delight of onlookers from the Anse La Raye Community. 

“The story is about Cinderella at the Ball.”  (Student from Anse La Raye)

“I feel excited and wonderful because this activity we’re having right now; it feels so amazing.” (Student from Anse La Raye)

“It’s not just for fun but there is a learning aspect to it which is what education in essence should be.” (Kate Popo, Literacy Coordinator, Anse La Raye Infant School) 

Literacy Coordinator, Kate Popo said the activity lends itself to the current carnival season in Saint Lucia while reinforcing in the minds of students that everything can be used as a learning opportunity.

“So literacy should not just be kept within the four walls of the classroom and this year the reading month theme lends itself to taking reading and literacy out of the classroom. So the staff here, our team, each class selected a book and we decided to get the students into costumes portraying the book. What we have here today is a parade encouraging the community to read, to take literacy out of the classroom, and engage in reading online, reading newspapers, and just reading generally.   After this parade, we will get class presentations. Each class will present the book. So we have a fun day. A day filled with excitement for the students, I myself, I am really happy that we are doing this and I look forward to more activities such as this one.”

Grade Two Teacher at the Anse La Raye Infant School, Martina Raphael Poleon, encouraged members of the community to support the reading pageant on June 30^th.

“We want to bring back the togetherness, the love, the attention, the affection because it takes a village to raise a child. So we have activities like this to bring the community back together.”

The reading carnival was supported by the pewees, senior students, and adults of the community.

“They just had a reading carnival for reading month which was amazing! I think it’s a great initiative that they’re doing to get the community involved, the students onboard and the parents, thank you for your support, and continue to do the great work that you’re doing.” (Catherine, Supporter of the Reading Carnival)

“I witnessed some great activity out there. It’s nice to see that kids are promoting reading month. It’s something good for the community and I hope that the message was well taken and I think that it’s going to be something good for the future.” (Catherine, Supporter of the Reading Carnival)

“There are many innovative ideas that have already come to mind for next year and I am very grateful for the teachers, the staff of course and off course the Literacy Coordinator who has made this come to life and made it a wonderful success today.” (Albert Joseph, Principal)

“Reading is fun!” (Students at the Reading Carnival)

Covid-19 has created what has aptly been described as the “new normal” causing a blended approach to be adopted by all sectors in society. This has caused the rapid penetration and dependence on ICT for communication, business activity, education, and the list goes on.

This rapid dependence on ICT has undoubtedly widened the digital divide particularly for small island developing states like Saint Lucia with many not having access to technology or appropriate technology to seamlessly navigate this new normal.

Reducing the digital divide is projected as one sure way of increasing Saint Lucia’s competitiveness and sustaining economic development.

View the discussion on reducing the digital divide held during Productivity Awareness Week in October 2021.

Communication has a vital role to play in fueling economic growth. A well-coordinated strategized and funded national information communication roadmap for Saint Lucia is vital to the economic health of the country.

View the discussion on the vital role of communications in economic growth hed during Productivity Awareness Week in October 2021.

The Youth economy is viewed as a catalyst for economic growth and national development and is expected to turn the ideas, dreams and hobbies of the youth into viable, sustainable, business opportunities.

View the discussion on the Youth Economy held during Productivity Awareness Week, October 2021.

View the discussion re: the Love Saint Lucia Campaign, “The possibilities for economic growth and job creation,” held during Productivity Awareness Week in October 2021.

The Ministry of Agriculture coordinated a discussion on “How should agriculture be re-positioned to fill more space in Saint Lucia’s economic basket?” The main components highlighted are food and nutrition security, diversification, trade and export, access to finance, land and a skilled labour force.

View this very interesting discussion held during Productivity Awareness Week October 2021.

The circular economy has great potential for boosting Saint Lucia’s economic growth and national development through the creation of sustainable jobs and innovative business ventures.

Converting trash to cash is a discussion that must translate to action to benefit individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. It takes into consideration the land, people and the environment.

View the discussion on this timely subject matter held during Productivity Awareness Week in October 2021.