K.I.N.D Excelled At The International Children’s Book Day 2015

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad: April 10, 2015: Over 30 children attached to the Kids in Need of Direction (K.I.N.D) had the time of their lives, when they participated in the YMCA 2015 International Children’s Book Day, held at the YMCA Grounds, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, during the long Easter holidays.

The project themed, “One Story. Many Cultures”, brought children between the ages of 5 and 13 from the Laventille, Morvant and Dibe communities together, as they experienced the joys of reading, with some of this country’s finest literary minds. Renowned story-teller Theodora Ulerie (Aunty Thea), Educational Technology Teacher, Shomari Hector of Tobago and Musician/Poet Muhammad Muwakil, all shared their skills in nurturing the seeds planted, as they brought the stories like, Captain Coconut, Caribbean Tales and Cinderella, to life for the children.

Sponsored by Republic Bank Limited, through its flagship programme, the Power to Make a Difference, the Bank continues to effectively address the root cause of the problems that exist, as focus is placed on the area of literacy. At the closing ceremony held on April 5 (Easter Sunday) all the participants received certificates of participation. Some received special prizes of E-reading materials, Tablets and Kindles, for their success at the Spelling B competitions.

Speaking on behalf of the Bank, Republic Bank’s Social Investment Officer, Nadia Williams, encouraged the young ones to be confident and empower themselves, as they strive to be the best that they can be.

“Republic Bank is pleased to bring this world of reading to you as our main focus is literacy. I encourage you to empower yourselves and find that confidence within which tells you that you can do it,” Williams said.

She also urged parents to work with their children and help to bring out their truest potential.

Parents and guardians also participated in the various events, particularly on Family Reading night, as this session was used as a tool to bond with their young ones.

Paul Phillips, Director, Youth Outreach Services, YMCA, said that the International Children's Book Day 2015 was not only engulfed with activities for reading among children, but it was more than just that.

“This project was an eye-opener to bring national awareness to literacy among children in vulnerable and marginalized communities. I strongly believe that ICBD 2015 was like throwing a peddle into the ocean and making a ripple effect, not only on the lives of the children in Trinidad and Tobago, but children globally.

He thanked Republic Bank for its partnership, adding that he looked forward to the Bank’s continued involvement as it supports literacy in T&T in the Caribbean.

Poet Hadiya Phillips-Evelyn and soloist Lykael Ahye provided entertainment at the closing ceremony.

Republic Bank takes this time to wish all the participants all the best as they continue to develop their reading skills. The Bank has also designated April as “Literacy Awareness Month” and will be hosting numerous initiatives at some of the nation’s schools in the coming weeks.