CAVE HIll CAMPUS REPORT
In her address, Prime Minister Mottley acknowledged the strengthening bonds with China and announced that the government of Barbados was also forging ties with other countries in the agricultural sector “to ensure that we will be globally cutting edge in research in the few areas that we choose to do it”. Chinese Ambassador Yan Xiusheng described the relationship between the two countries in terms of the successes of a number of construction projects. “These various projects play important roles in local economic and social life and have become symbols of friendship between our two countries and people,” he said, and looked forward to further cooperation in various sectors. CAVE HILL LAUNCHES READING PROGRAMME TO ADDRESS LITERACY IN SCHOOLS The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus launched the Between the Lines reading programme in collaboration with the Barbados National Library Service and the charity Kids in Action as part of its 60th Anniversary celebrations. This initiative, which targeted primary and secondary school students, commenced on February 4, 2023 at the main branch of the National Library Service, Bridgetown. Headed by Dr. Zoanne Evans, instructor in the Campus’ Academic Literacies Programme (ALP), and ably assisted by members of the local teaching community, current and retired, the programme sought to engage children in weekly reading activities to improve their learning skills. According to Dr. Evans, “Literacy skills in Barbados have been on the decline for some time but this is a vital competence that must be ingrained in our youth if we expect them to be critical thinkers in society.” She went on to say that “fostering a love for reading among children is one of the hardest tasks in the age of technology, yet it is fundamental to their success”.
Beneficiaries of this initiative included the St. Alban’s Primary School, Workman Primary, Grantley Adams Memorial School, Lester Vaughn Secondary, the Pentecostal Fellowship Church at Bridgefield St. Thomas and others. According to Dr. Evans, “These sessions are intended to hone the creative imagination of children to make the process of learning to read easier and more enjoyable. The objective is that young students can become more confident and empowered readers.” The sessions engaged students in reading, story writing, and comprehension activities. Not only were the sessions engaging but they were exciting and well-received by both parents and participants. Dr. Henderson Carter, Chairman of The UWI Cave Hill’s 60th Anniversary Planning Committee, saw the project as not only an excellent opportunity for children to advance their reading skills, but also an avenue for the wider society to bridge the literacy gap in Barbados.
Reverend Suzanne Ellis held an interactive session with students of the St. Alban’s Primary School.
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