The JWN Foundation once again threw its support behind Read Across Jamaica Day on May 7, a national initiative dedicated to promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading among children across the island.
The foundation mobilised its staff volunteers to visit 12 schools in Kingston, Clarendon and St Elizabeth. The book chosen for this year’s reading was Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s inspiring co-authored book, “I Am a Promise”. Fraser-Pryce’s, “I Am a Promise” documents the inspiring story of the young girl from her humble beginnings in Waterhouse to her rise to global fame as one of the world’s most gifted female sprint legends.
The book emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and working hard to achieve one’s dreams. Through the pages of this motivating book, Fraser-Pryce encourages children to embrace their potential and stay focused on their goals.
CEO of the JWN Foundation , Tanikie McClarthy Allen had the attention of the students of the Balaclava Primary School while reading “I am a Promise,” a book co-authored by Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce.
By featuring ‘I Am a Promise’ as the focal point of its participation in Read Across Jamaica Day, the JWN Foundation hopes to resonate with young readers and impart the values of resilience, determination, and self-confidence that are at the heart of the book’s narrative. We aim to empower and uplift our Jamaican communities, and there is no better way to do that than by nurturing the minds of our children and doing so through the lens of one of our very own star athletes in an Olympic year,” said Tanikie McClarthy Allen, CEO of the JWN Foundation.
She continued, “JWNF remains very active in our communities through our multiple touch points with the residents, so we have seen firsthand what is needed and are collaborating with the community to come up with ideas and activities to fill these gaps. Today’s activity is the favourite for our volunteers because it is a wonderful opportunity for them [staff volunteers] to give back to their communities. This short but profound book will leave a lasting impression on young readers to motivate them to dream big, and we saw that on Tuesday with the outstanding participation from the children,” she ended.
JWN Foundation staff volunteers participated in various activities throughout Read Across Jamaica Day, including reading sessions, interactive discussions with the students about the story’s themes and how they relate to their own lives.
Each school also received a donation of eight books for the school library. Through this donation, children will have access to this empowering story long beyond Read Across Jamaica Day.
