The students of the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre and the Dunnottar School were engaged, asked questions and participated fully in Reading Month activities initiated by LUCELEC.
The LUCELEC Club undertook two annual educational drives. In May, members read to students as part of Reading Month and early in the new academic year, Operation Schoolbox is a donation drive of school supplies to students across the island. Both activities were voluntary and fueled by the individual commitment of team members of the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC).
LUCELEC Club Communications Director Sydel Charles says the schools were chosen because all children deserve encouragement, joy and recognition.
“For LUCELEC and the LUCELEC Club it’s important that we are inclusive, and today we just thought it was important to spend some time reading with the students, and in terms of impact I think it’s something that they will remember for some time, that LUCELEC team members came and read to them. We want students to feel included and enjoyed getting a deeper understanding of what their regime is for school, what the facilities are like and a greater understanding of how as a team we can assist,” she says.
Vanessa Menal, the Principal of the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre, expressed her gratitude for the continued partnership. The visit from the LUCELEC Club readers was the latest donation of not just financial support from the Company but of personal time to the school.
“We are thankful that you have kept your corporate responsibility, and you have supported the school. That’s not the first time you have supported the school, and we are thankful for your presence here. You made our children feel included. It’s not always other children getting, but they too are remembered by businesses like yours. You include them and they are grateful for that kind of support and its very meaningful to them that people from the outside can come and give that level of support so thank you for that,” she said.
The principal of the Dunnottar School, Antonia Joseph, was equally pleased to welcome the readers. Her current school enrolment is 94 and caters in 5 divisions to students with developmental differences such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.
“I would like to say thank you to LUCELEC for their kind gesture this morning. It’s always a great feeling when any organization from out there takes an interest in the Dunottar school. Most times, Special Ed is looked at as the forgotten sector in education so when somebody takes on the task of engaging with our students, bringing something new to them, it’s always welcomed.”
Ms. Joseph further mentioned that the Dunnottar School is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and visits like this make the students feel seen.
“Most times the students feel that yes, they are in the education system but apart from us teachers and educators in special ed that take a keen interest in them, they do not get much more exposure, much more being highlighted onto them so when anyone comes in, it makes them feel just a little more special, special beyond what special ed is.”
Reading Month is designed to promote literacy and make reading a fun daily habit. The LUCELEC Club hoped its activity also shone a light on the unique strengths of the country’s students to ensure they feel seen, valued, supported and cared for.