Author of The Irma Diaries, Angela Burnett Penn (Second left in front of slassroom), reads to students at the Joyce Samuel Primary School as a part of the Read to Heal programme. Pictured also is Ray Wearmouth, Partner at Ogier, sponsor of books for the school. Photo: Provided

Principals of private and public primary and secondary schools across the Territory pose with The Irma Diaries’ author as donated copies of the book are handed over. Photo: Provided

This, according to an Executive Statement, released by Ms Burnett Penn, today January 20, 2019, who disclosed that over 250 copies of ‘The Irma Diaries’ sponsored under the programme, were handed over to principals of schools across the Territory, at their start-of-term meeting.

The first school reading of the year under the programme was led by Irma Diaries author, Ms Burnett Penn and the school's sponsor, Ogier.

Active Discussion

The close to one hour-long session included active student discussion around the life lessons communicated by each of the Irma survivor stories shared.

According to Ms Penn, in the Executive Statement, the session marked the first of many that will take place this term and beyond as a part of The Irma Diaries’ Read to Heal Programme officially launched last November at the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School.

Two reading sessions have since taken place under the programme at the Elmore Stoutt High School and Willard Wheatley Primary School.

Tuesday’s reading at the Joyce Samuel Primary School, was held in partnership with Ogier, during their weekly reading session there.

Ogier has sponsored 20 copies of The Irma Diaries for the programme that have been donated to the school.

Psychosocial Support

According to Ms Burnett Penn, 'Read to Heal' provides psychosocial support and climate change education to students at all schools across the Territory through readings from ‘The Irma Diaries’ which allow students to process their trauma through the shared experiences of others.

The stories captured, provide mechanisms for dealing with loss, encourage appreciation of the essentials in life and present optimistic perspectives on the future.

The Irma Diaries includes a Foreword and Afterword by leading climate scientists, a primer on climate change and includes linkages throughout the stories that bring climate change home, making it personal and relevant for students.

Ogier

Ogier, according to the Executive Statement, is one of 15 companies that has sponsored copies of the book for schools to facilitate the programme.

All together over 270 copies have been sponsored. Copies were handed over to most school principals at their joint meeting on Tuesday.

Other donors highlighted by Ms Burnett Penn, includes BDO, BVI Finance, Carey Olsen, Caribbean Insurers Ltd, Harneys, Honourable Archibald C. Christian (AL), James Todman Construction, JOMA (Properties) Ltd., LJD VI Block Ltd., Meridian Construction, the National Bank of the Virgin Islands Ltd., Ogier, One Mart Superstore, Rufred Forbes and Associates (RFA Construction), Sable Trust and the author herself.

Persons interested in volunteering to read and host discussions with students under Read to Heal can sign up through The Irma Diaries’ website: www.TheIrmaDiaries.com.