Studying for
Cayman’s school children might be far from normal right now, but
they can at least curl up with a good book and practice their reading
skills thanks to more than a thousand books that have been donated to
children during lockdown through the Literacy is For Everyone (LIFE)
programme.

Since
lockdown, 1,434 books have been donated to Cayman’s students,
including to those students who don’t have access to the internet
or a computer at home, or who don’t have access to a ready supply
of books. The books have been donated to seven public schools on
Grand Cayman and the project has supported 461 students so far.

LIFE Project
Coordinator Erin Galatopoulos said: “All books are like new or
‘pre-loved’ books that LIFE has received via donation. Each book
was hand-selected personally for each student by an exempt employee
of the school to match each student's reading level, age and
interests. While this took extra time for everyone involved, the
process increases the likelihood that students will both read and
benefit from these books.”

Prior to
lockdown, LIFE volunteers researched the level of each book donated
and that level was noted on the book. In this way, students are able
to receive books aligned to their personal reading level and reading
goals. In addition to these levelled books, many students also
received unlevelled fun books – activity books, hobby books and
books with Disney characters – to inspire a love of books.

“Books
were included with the packets handed out to students after the
announcement of school closure until 30th
June, thereby reducing the contact points during lockdown, something
which we at LIFE take very seriously,” Erin stated.

Response
from teachers to LIFE’s targeted book donation has been
enthusiastic.

Jessica
Jackson, Deputy Principal at East End Primary School, said: “We
thank LIFE for their continued support of our students. The books
will certainly be well read and well loved.”

Dairdie
Tingle, from Savannah Primary School, joined in the praise: “A huge
thank you to LIFE! I know that the students and their parents will be
appreciative. It takes a village...thank you,” she said.

Victoria
Read, from George Town Primary School, added her words of gratitude:
“Thank you so much for helping us to get books for our students to
read during this remote learning period. It is really appreciated by
the staff and the students,” she said.

LIFE
Executive Director Marilyn Conolly advised that LIFE always welcomes
book donations as they are sorely needed.

“We are
working towards a community book drive and establishing a drop off
location with appropriate protocols during lockdown,” she
explained. “ However, in the meantime, please box up and set aside
any children's books that are no longer being read in your household.
A book drive is coming soon!”

To learn more about the work done by LIFE for Cayman’s children, and to support our efforts, please like us on Facebook and Instagram @LIFECayman or email us at books@life.org.ky.