Newly Upgraded Library for St. John Vianney Primary School
On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Saint John Vianney R.C. Primary School is re-opening its library’s door with additional features, including more reading materials for students at all levels. The theme for this year’s International Literacy Day is Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces. That is exactly what has taken place at the primary school where Peacework Belize also contributed towards this transformation. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there for the official opening ceremony. Here is that report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
The students of St. John Vianney RC Primary School are now better equipped to increase their reading and writing abilities. With the re-launch of the St. John Vianney library, students now have access to a larger variety of reading material. Felix Sutherland the Principal of the primary school spoke at the official opening ceremony.
Felix Sutherland
Felix Sutherland, Principal, St. John Vianney R.C. School
“Belize like the rest of the world is crippling with what I call post COVID effects, but in literacy words do have meaning, and Dr. Bradely would quickly remind me post refers to the past, and we must be reminded we are still in COVID season. And yes, while we are in CIVID season, we are also in a season of impending monkey pox, however while those are present, our gathering this morning is in an effort to erase and eradicate ignorance and illiteracy, and what a better time to refocus our selves.”
Today’s ceremony was held on the occasion of International Literacy Day. Peacework Belize, headed by Dr. Carol Babb, contributed to transforming the St. John Vianney Literacy Room, through the donations of books and backpacks.
Carol Babb
Carol Babb, Director, Peacework Belize
“Because you are able to read and spend a lot of time reading, it may seem unbelievable that there are people around who cannot simply read a message on Whatsapp, are unable to read a book, a restaurant menu, a road sign, a voting ballot, and instruction manual, a prescription, or a cereal box. Can you imagine my friend, navigating modern day life, without the basic ability to read and write? Wiping out illiteracy in every community around our country is what international literacy day is all about. Literacy is a blessing often taken for granted. Reading and writing is essential in our daily lives.”
Students from two other primary schools, St. John Anglican, and Unity Presbyterian, were present at today’s event, as the upgraded library will also serve them. Literacy Specialist, Rose Bradley, also shared.
Rose Bradley
Rose Bradley, Literacy Specialist
“In a multicultural society, in what is considered a second language, is twice as hard. This is often compounded by student’s limited access to books. Reading like any other skill is acquired through practice. The more you read the better you become at it. Having a school library with different range of reading levels is definitely a part of the move towards transforming literacy spaces for improved learning performance. Congratulations to the leadership and staff of St. John Vianney.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez
