VI youths challenged to read as part of International Literacy Day 2023 campaign
Observed on Friday, September 8, 2023, International Literacy Day 2023 will be celebrated under the Theme: Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies.
Through the BVI National Commission of UNESCO, the school visit will take place for just over 10 days within the VI.
Persons are also being encouraged to use social media platforms to spread awareness on what it is like being a lifeline learner, to inspire others to get on board the campaign using the hashtag #ImAmifelingLearnerCampaign.
UNESCO earmarked day
Since 1967, International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society.
Despite steady progress made across the world, literacy challenges persist with at least 763 million young people and adults lacking basic literacy skills in 2020 according to UNESCO.
UNESCO added that the recent COVID-19 crisis and other crises, such as climate change and conflicts, have been exacerbating the challenges.
20 Responses to “VI youths challenged to read as part of International Literacy Day 2023 campaign ”
The colonialists built prisons, but no schools. There is an HMP but no His Majesty’s High School. Why? The VI was the last of the colonies to get secondary schools/education. And getting secondary education was a fight, a struggle. This guava crop of Virgin Islanders have forgotten how to struggle, fight. Rugged individualism has been lost. Frankly our current education system is a failure. Some will decry this; bring the receipts to show otherwise. Lowering the bar has been costly; too many graduates are functional illiterates. Yes, there are a few oasises in the education desert but there is no critical mass. The VI has to import labour to perform some basic tasks that Virgin Islanders should be easily doing. The BVI progress forward has to Bebe based on an educated people/workforce; we must drive full STEAM ahead. There is already a STEAM divide in the BVI. Why does the BVI always have to lag behind others? Why can’t we be at the tip of the spear? It us ride or die on education. Ride or die on the education hill. Other bloggers have mentioned Singapore economic success and the part education played. Its success is worthy of emulation. We sent people, a trade mission to Guyana. Perhaps Minister de Castro needs to lead an education mission to Singapore.
Anyway, the highest education level that some of the VI students who got to go school was a prized 7th Standard Certificate. As such, the Leeward islands Federation despatched administrative personnel, ie, policemen, teachers, customs, public works, etc to the Virgin Islands. Most of the people despatched came in from above Round Rock. Consequently, friction erupted between the people who came in from above Round Rock and locals.
Specifically, some of the people who came in from above Round Rock let the locals know in no uncertain terms that they were sent to the BVI because locals were not capable mentally to the jobs, creating lingering resentment. In time, the phrase, “you think I cum from above Round Rock” took root, meaning I’m a true Virgin Islander.
School? Why was the Leeward Island Federation so reluctant approving secondary education for the BVI? Is this delay a factor in the BVI lagging the other islands? Where was the high school before ESHS? Are there any pics and was ESHS built and open? Who was Scott? So many questions; I’m inspire to find information and read more.