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‘The Pentateuch’ donated to schools

-as Reading & Biblical principles promoted for improved literacy in the VI
In observation of Literacy Day which was observed on Monday September 8, 2014 the books were placed in the hands of hundreds of students of schools across the Territory both public and private in a quest to promote reading among children and at the time same time trying to rebuilding that fabric of society that seems to have been lost today: the spiritual foundation. Photo: VINO
Althea Scatliffe Primary School received a donation of 94 books to grade 4 by the Education Minister. The Hon. Delores Christopher was on hand to deliver the books to the students of grade 4 there. Photo: VINO
Althea Scatliffe Primary School received a donation of 94 books to grade 4 by the Education Minister. The Hon. Delores Christopher was on hand to deliver the books to the students of grade 4 there. Photo: VINO
“I believe that biblical stories help young people,” said Ms Hull, adding that this is something that is evidently lacking among youths. Simple stories like Joseph’s in the Bible were unknown by children. In one school only one child raised a hand when asked if they knew the story. Photo: VINO
“I believe that biblical stories help young people,” said Ms Hull, adding that this is something that is evidently lacking among youths. Simple stories like Joseph’s in the Bible were unknown by children. In one school only one child raised a hand when asked if they knew the story. Photo: VINO
During the process of the books distribution to schools this news site caught up with Ms Hull, Honourables Archibald C. Christian, Delores Christopher (R5) and Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) who were all being inspirational to students in the promotion of reading and biblical principles. At one stop Hon Christian told the children that reading is important for their development. Photo: VINO
During the process of the books distribution to schools this news site caught up with Ms Hull, Honourables Archibald C. Christian, Delores Christopher (R5) and Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) who were all being inspirational to students in the promotion of reading and biblical principles. At one stop Hon Christian told the children that reading is important for their development. Photo: VINO
Hon Maduro-Caines said that the book really simplifies the Bible and it is a book that she wishes was around when she was a child. She encouraged the students not only to ensure that they read the book but that they took care of it. She donated 50 books to the same schools. Photo: VINO
Hon Maduro-Caines said that the book really simplifies the Bible and it is a book that she wishes was around when she was a child. She encouraged the students not only to ensure that they read the book but that they took care of it. She donated 50 books to the same schools. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Why the Pentateuch? This was the silent question of many persons as throughout this week its author Ms Ayana S. Hull accompanied several companies, community leaders, individuals and even the Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn distributing her most recent book titled ‘The Pentateuch’ in schools.

“I believe that biblical stories help young people,” said Ms Hull, adding that this is something that is evidently lacking among youths. Simple stories like Joseph's in the Bible were unknown by children. In one school only one child raised a hand when asked if they knew the story.

In observation of Literacy Day which was observed on Monday September 8, 2014 the books were placed in the hands of hundreds of students of schools across the Territory both public and private in a quest to promote reading among children and at the same time trying to rebuilding that fabric of society that seems to have been lost today: the spiritual foundation.

Former United Nations Secretary general Kofi Annan once said, “Literacy is the key lever of change and the practical tool of empowerment and each of the three main pillars of sustainable development, economic development, social development and environmental development.”

The theme for World Literacy Day is ‘Literacy and Sustainable Development’ and according to Ms Hull literacy and learning is the critical foundation for life. “I think what we need to do more is to introduce our young people more into liking to read, learning to read and as parents try to make sure that our children read a certain amount of books per year. It really increases their vocabulary, it increases their critical thinking skills and their knowledge of the world,” Ms Hull said.

“I think that it is important that we ensure that our children are prepared from a writing and speaking perspective when they come out into the work force. I know a lot of us don’t like to hear it but there are some really scary stories of resumes and job applications and letters that really don’t reflect what a high school graduate in the BVI should look like,” she pointed out, noting that the more books children are given the better are their abilities to read and write.

Getting The Pentateuch into the schools has had a very good support thus far with the Ministry of Education, LIME, Rotary Club of Road Town and many others supporting this push.

During the process of the books distribution to schools this news site caught up with Ms Hull, Honourables Archibald C. Christian, Delores Christopher (R5) and Alvera Maduro-Caines (R6) who were all being inspirational to students in the promotion of reading and biblical principles.

At one stop Hon Christian told the children that reading is important for their development. “Further, we cherish our faith in God in the BVI and the book is very important for building values and learning about God,” he said. He donated 50 books to the Joyce Samuel Primary School and the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School.

Hon Maduro-Caines said that the book really simplifies the Bible and it is a book that she wishes was around when she was a child. She encouraged the students not only to ensure that they read the book but that they took care of it. She donated 50 books to the same schools. 

Althea Scatliffe Primary School received a donation of 94 books to grade 4 by the Education Minister. The Hon. Delores Christopher was on hand to deliver the books to the students of grade 4 there.

28 Responses to “‘The Pentateuch’ donated to schools”

  • Yes (12/09/2014, 08:43) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    VINO you turn NDP man lol
  • Binocs (12/09/2014, 08:48) Like (23) Dislike (18) Reply
    Whilst Ms.Hull may believe in all this nonsense, promoting false stories as facts to developing minds only encourages under developed minds. Facts should be taught at school, not religious bufoonnery.
  • too far (12/09/2014, 10:10) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    You gone to far now
  • just asking..... (12/09/2014, 10:17) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    seems like Ms. Hull is runing for office or is she just trying to get paid?
  • Fed Up (12/09/2014, 11:04) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    I fully agree with you @Sad.
  • NLBC (12/09/2014, 11:06) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    Very good gesture Sis. Ayana. God bless you.
  • facts (12/09/2014, 11:35) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    Ok SAD so why don't you try to do something positive that would help our young people instead of waiting around like a shark until some one else does then shred them to pieces?. Under developed minds. You appear to have been a successful guinea pig on the subject.
  • Go Light Your World (12/09/2014, 11:44) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    Ms. Hull I applaud you for this endeavour. In a world where there is so much murder, dishonesty, homosexuality, rape etc boys and girls need to know from a young age about Jesus and the hope he has for them as he had for Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Samson and all the illustrated characters you have in these simplistic books. They must know that there is another way than the world’s way. This I believe too will help in literacy while learning about God.
    How can people sit back and judge such a great endeavour. You do good people talk. You do bad, its on the news and they talk too. Keep pressing on the upward way. Hold your head high, but in humility and may the God of hope and mercy bless you as reflect a light that only comes from Him.

    Blessings
  • Not For Education Purposes (12/09/2014, 13:15) Like (33) Dislike (5) Reply
    These books are not being donated by Miss Hull. They are being purchased by government and representatives from Miss Hull and forced into our schools.

    Not everybody believes this crap and not everyone wants their kids morals to be based on half truths. I have nothing against her teaching her kids with this or with parents who choose to purchase the book for their personal or family use but these misleading stories should not be imposed into our school systems.
    • @ Not for Education Purposes (19/09/2014, 16:54) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you! I thought that I was the only one who remembered that Myron promised to put the books in every school during her book launching party!
  • Curious (12/09/2014, 13:28) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I say "HONOUR they MOTHER so that thy days may be long upon this earth"...........I say no more....
  • The Pentateuch (12/09/2014, 13:45) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    No force. Whomever does not want their child to have the book, please return it to the school and it will be repurposed. For clarity, the book is not a part of the education system or the curriculum. It is purely a biblically based story book to contribute to literacy. However, there is always free will so if you dont want your child to read the stories, please feel free to return it. Blessings!
    • Not For Education Purposes (12/09/2014, 21:36) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thank you for the clarification. You must have misspoken when you told the Morning Ride show that there was a movement afoot to make this a part of the curriculum. Strange that I also heard you indicate the same thing on a different occasion earlier this week. If indeed there is no force then I suggest that the books be donated to the school libraries, or an appeal be made to interested parents to collect a copy. If my child were to bring this home I would not expend any energy in returning it. I treat all trash the same way. I believe you know that many of those books will meet the same fate.

      I ask you, instead of using your political connections to get representatives and companies to buy your book en mass, why not appeal to them to help or subsidize the many children who cannot afford to purchase the required school texts, that are costly, and are infact a part of the curriculum. As a parent that is an initiative I can support.

      • The Pentateuch (13/09/2014, 15:52) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        What we heard was that primary schools are required to teach students a half an hour of religious education per week. The book was suggested to be a resource material for this move. The way you deal with literature is your own decision and quite rightly so but we do not believe many of the parents would do as you suggest. The children were quite excited to receive the book from all the responses received by the Pentateuch team and the principals appeared quite elated to teach the children more about God. I hope you don't remove your children (if you have any at school age) from the system because of that.

        In terms of subsidy, everybody should do their part in a progressive society. The Pentateuch was Ayana's. Perhaps, the subsidy movement is an initiative that you should lead with your passionate voice in this area and encourage others to follow. Be blessed.
        • Not For Education Purposes (14/09/2014, 09:52) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
          Your explanation about the book not being placed on the curriculum but rather being required for Religious Education which may be placed on the curicullum is nothing but a distinction without a difference. A lot of us do our part in society but do not seek publicity or financial gain from our deeds. That is what giving is about. My suggestion was for Ayana to do the same. If Literacy and learning are her passion then take steps to ensure that the kids are properly equipped with the required school materials. This story is really about self-righteousness and self-promotion, not selflessness.

          • chad (14/09/2014, 13:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            It's sad that we judge each other's motives like this. Whether you agree or disagree with the idea is one thing but to determine and judge a person's motive behind their deeds is not wise or kind. Its why God said that we should leave all judgment to him as you do now know what is in a person's heart and that's where God looks.
          • The Pentateuch (15/09/2014, 12:17) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
            The Pentateuch Team will continue to do whatever it can to raise the literacy level in the BVI and hopes to be able to contribute meaningfully to the lives of our young people in this regard. We do agree with you that they need the appropriate school materials but we do not agree that this should be to the exclusion of any other book donated to them. We respond to the final opinion in your post by praying that God clears your thoughts about the intentions behind the initiative and that eventually you do see the fruit that it bears. Stay tuned.
  • Good Scripture (12/09/2014, 13:47) Like (4) Dislike (12) Reply
    Good scripture. Here is another one. Judge not or you too will be judged: Matthew 7:1
  • A mind is... (13/09/2014, 07:08) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    A mind is a terrible thing to loose. Our young people need to read regardless who wrote the book. I congratulate the author of the book for many reason one she is a female and she is a British Virgin Islander. I am disgusted about all these negative comments. All they are doing is destroying our country. We need to stop it. If we can destroy each other like this why would others want to live among us.
  • cnn (13/09/2014, 07:48) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Keep up the good works ayuna
  • idk (13/09/2014, 14:37) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why am I not surprised at some of these half hazzard comments. No wonder some of our children turn out the way they do. I bet all you negative sayers would love if we took prayers and religious education out of our schools..then we will be faced with shooting etc in schools. Train up our children in the right way. I see nothing wong with the book. Its all bibical stories made easier to read and understand by children. Like the bloger said, you dont want your child to read it, take it back..or like some spineless parent said, throw it in the trash and that parent should throw her/him self right behind the book. Cant do anything positive for some of these negative minded people in this country.
  • Anarchy (13/09/2014, 15:40) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    These books should be donated far far away maybe to some country that would more likely appreciate them or need them more. There is nothing wrong with politicians using their own hard earned cash to support their friends but using young children as a pawn in their sick games is pathetic. Anybody with sense can see beyond this ruse. Ayana is not the only local author in the BVI so why is it that all of her books have been purchased and well supported by the current government. Her song is chosen as the territorial song. Maybe it's because they are supporting locals but Jennie Wheatley, Quincy Lettsome, Eugenis O'neal and others have books that are worth checking out as well.
  • Agree (14/09/2014, 13:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with you Anarchy but this is not the author's fault. All the other authors should also promote and market their book. Government is not going to seek them out. They must seek out the market themselves.
    • Sparrow (15/09/2014, 09:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      How ironic, government is the one that goes out of their way to seek out Ayana though.
      • No Irony (15/09/2014, 11:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Government does not seek out anyone. The Company does its own marketing both locally and internationally.
  • Help (15/09/2014, 11:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    please, how is the name of the book pronounced?
  • Pronouciation (15/09/2014, 14:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is a greek word; Pronounced, Pen Ta Took


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