Rural primary schools get new libraries
On Tuesday the Michael Ashcroft Foundation opened three libraries in the nation’s primary schools and will be donating the funds for up to seventeen more. The idea was first proposed by Lisa Krolak, a VSO librarian working with the Belize Teachers’ Training College. She became convinced through her work with Belizean teachers that there was a real need for up-to-date libraries in rural schools. This week the books she recommended were placed on the shelves of schools in Dangriga and Toledo and the children could hardly wait to get their hands on them.
Most of the children of Indian Creek Primary School speak Ketchi at home or with friends but that’s not going to stop them from using their new English library books. The students said thank you to Michael A. Ashcroft Foundation in very unique ways.
“Books”
“Don’t wait for a call, but make hay while the sun shines. Just spare a few time to read and look. I bet you’ll get hooked for I can help in laying your foundation which is a good education.”
Like many schools in Belize, Independence Primary School had a collection of books but most were out of date or irrelevant. Principal Longsworth says now their biggest problem will be trying to accommodate all the students who want to use the new books.
Charles Longsworth, Principal, Independence Primary School
“We have over seven hundred children, one of the biggest schools in the country. And if you notice the size of the room, we can’t facilitate everybody so we have to work a system, and we’re in the process of doing that.”
The teachers and at least two children have volunteered to act as librarians. Students say they plan to visit as often as possible.
Dorita Williams, Standard Six, Independence Primary School
“As much as I could, just to see all the books. I mean they look so interesting and they are interesting.”
Besides entertaining themselves and learning to read, children at Christ the King Anglican Primary School will be able to use the textbooks they can’t afford to buy. They also won’t have to go all the way to the Dangriga Town Library anymore.
Carol Young, Principal, Christ the King
“In the past, we had times when students did not do homework, they came to school without homework. When we would ask them why, it’s because they did not have the required text, which was very sympathetic. So this library will assist a great deal.”
Sheryl Olmedo, Standard Six, Christ the King
“Sometimes they have people who just like disturb you. So nobody can disturb you at your own school. So I just like it this way.”
Chief Executive Officer for the Michael Ashcroft Foundation, Richard Painter, says the company has wanted to do something for Belizean primary schools for quite some time.
Richard Painter, CEO, Michael A. Ashcroft Foundation
“We realized that literacy is a very important factor to young children when they first go to school, and we wanted them to have the enjoyment of books. And the way to do this is by providing libraries.”
Claudette Whyte, Standard Six, Independence Primary School
“Each book is a magic box, which with a touch, a child unlocks. In between their outside covers, hold all things for their lovers.”
Janelle Chanona for News Five.
The cost of all fifteen libraries is approximately sixty-five thousand Belize dollars. Parents and teachers of all the libraries have pledged to not only donate time as librarians but also to contribute textbooks and other reading material. Primary schools who wish to join the second phase of the project should contact, Erlindo Pech at the Belize Teachers’ Training College.
