Monday, 4 February 2019: Students at the Calliste Government School are enjoying reading in their newly constructed library.
The 650 sq. ft. space was officially handed over to the students, principal and staff of the school at the end of January.
The project was initiated by Grenada Schools Inc., in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Grenlec. Grenada Schools Inc. is a charity that is focused on poverty alleviation, which includes the building of libraries in every primary school in Grenada.
Andrea Phillip, Chief Executive Officer of Grenada Schools Inc., welcomed Grenlec’s partnership on the Calliste project, noting that Grenlec was the first Grenadian donor to support GSI’s work. Grenlec’s contribution of $120,000 constituted 66% of the funding for the Calliste Government School library.
Highlighting his Company’s commitment to education, Benedict Brathwaite, Grenlec’s Financial Controller said, “Education is one of our priorities because we recognise that it is the key to unlocking our human and national potential. This library is a critical part of the enabling environment to spark our children’s imagination, interest in and knowledge of our world”.
Since 1994, Grenlec’s shareholders have invested 5% of their pre-tax profits, more than $22 million, in communities throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
David Andrew, Acting Chief Education Officer thanked GSI and the other partners for working with the Ministry to improve literacy levels throughout Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
Calliste Government is the most recent recipient of a library stocked with books for all reading levels, a number of which have been written and illustrated by Grenadian authors and artists.
The project also includes training of library staff at the school and a programme to help students improve their reading and comprehension.