Here we go! The 2022-2023 school year is just a few months out, and we are thrilled to announce library time is on the schedule! Over the past two years, Hands’ library lending and literacy programs books have provided children with the opportunity to discover new places, characters, and adventures through reading during a time of isolation and challenge. Now that the children are heading back to school full time, we are eager to get these spaces and programs back to pre-pandemic status. We are also excited to build on our partnership with local leaders and the Ministry of Education with several new community library projects. Literacy is becoming a central aspect in family and community engagement; you have helped to make this possible with your support.
The schools and community libraries below represent a handful of the more than 900 programs that are a part of the Hands Across the Sea network. These partners have varying needs and have been selected to receive a top-up, rejuvenation, or a brand-new library. This year’s book order is built around Social and Emotional Learning with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive texts. We are also providing our youngest and most vulnerable students in grades K-2 with extra materials to combat learning losses that have disproportionately impacted this age group over the pandemic. All schools will receive an order of top-quality books from Caribbean Reads and a catalog of world class titles from Scholastic. Like you, we are eager to keep young minds and imaginations growing. Join us!
Libraries and literacy initiatives remain a bright spot for thousands of children in the Eastern Caribbean.
From Read Aloud tours to traveling book mobiles, Vernest and Hyacinth, our two Literacy Links, work tirelessly to bring literacy to every child while ensuring that school libraries are well maintained and properly utilized. Antigua is setting the standard for many of our academic recovery programs in the region.
All Saint’s
Secondary School
Number of Students: 740
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $6,000
Funding Status: Funded!
A new librarian is set to begin in September, however the books in the library are very outdated and in bad condition. The Literacy Specialists and Deputy Principal are responsible for ensuring the successful re-launch of this important program which serves an extremely large population of secondary students.
Bendals
Primary School
Number of Students: 120
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Bendals is one of a handful of schools taking literacy to the next level. Hands spent three weeks leading the literacy and numeracy for an intensive summer recovery program and has since provided on-site professional development. A summer intensive is already being planned for July 2022.
CT Samuel
Primary
Number of Students: 48
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The library is incredibly sparse at CT Samuel but the children are amongst the most eager and motivated of all the schools we work in. The borrowing practices at this school far outpace the capacity of the lending library so much that children are borrowing from the reference section. This partner to Hands is dedicated to tackling children’s literacy from every angle, and they are well overdue for a total makeover in their library collections.
Christian Union
Primary
Number of Students: 100
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Funded!
This school has been waiting for two years to build a Hands library program. Antigua Literacy Links met with the enthusiastic principal last year to build the foundation for partnership. Christian Union is going to be a wonderful and dedicated Hands partner to ensure the children are growing up with a robust library program.
Glanvilles
Secondary School
Number of Students: 111
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Too many outdated books in the library. The space has just been upgraded to include an air conditioner which will surely support the program and help keep kids comfortable in the library. An infusion of new and fun titles is most welcome. They are ready!
Golden Grove
Primary School
Number of Students: 460
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
When Covid forced the schools to close, some 75% of the students at Golden Grove (the island’s largest public primary school) had no digital devices and no access to materials. The Literacy Links and Principal decided to cull the library’s older books and to create a book giveaway to ensure children’s urgent education and literacy needs were being met. The shelves are empty but the kids are eager.
Jennings
Primary School
Number of Students: 200
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Jennings is another of the small handful of schools that participated in the three week literacy and numeracy for an intensive summer recovery program alongside Hands and has since provided on-site professional development. This school could really benefit from a top-up, especially for the younger learners who are K-2.
Liberta
Primary School
Number of Students: 125
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
During the pandemic, Liberta took the initiative of working with Hands to do book giveaways that ensured children had critical materials at home to support their literacy and education. Liberta utilizes the Lexia program and takes a multi-pronged approach to literacy support for its students. A top-up is greatly needed and would be put to immediate use. Liberta will be participating with Hands during July 2022 for an academic recovery program.
Mary E. Pigott
Primary School
Number of Students: 400
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This library had been temporarily converted into an alternative classroom to accommodate Covid protocol during the peak of the pandemic. The school’s leadership and Hands are overjoyed to re-open the library as a full lending space for the 2022-2023 school year and to add some great new titles for the incoming students.
Newfields
Primary School
Number of Students: 53
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Newfield’s school library was converted into an alternative classroom during Covid, but is in the process of making its way back to a full-time library. The books were being temporarily utilized within the classrooms, and during the 2022-2023 school year Hands will be working with the principal to shift the library materials and practices and to build up programming once again.
Olivia David
Primary School
Number of Students: 165
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funded!
There are far too many old books here. The librarian at Olivia David is extremely enthusiastic, diligent, and is truly setting an example that works. Students here have library check-ins every day for the program, and the kids here are so engaged.
Parham
Primary School
Number of Students: 93
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
The books here are so engaged and the children are so dedicated to their reading that we’ve recently had to tape up and repair many of the overly loved books. Many of these books are ready to make their way out of the library and will be provided to children during book giveaways in preparation for next year’s top-up.
Sea View Farm
Number of Students: 116
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funded!
Most of the books in the Sea View Library were donated second hand by good Samaritans. These older books are starting to fall apart and are not the most appropriate for the needs of the children at the school. Sea View Farm participated in the 2021 summer recovery program with Hands and has continued on with professional development training.
T.N. Kirnon
Primary School
Number of Students: 390
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school has been a long-time partner to Hands’ literacy program (it is even where our book interns studied abroad!!) The little ones here, especially those K-2 are in great need of literacy support to help overcome the learning loss caused by the pandemic.
Urlings
Primary School
Number of Students: 60
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
There is a good collection for higher level learners here, but Urlings is sorely lacking books for students K-2.
Villa
Primary School
Number of Students: 295
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Villa was a part of the July 2021 summer recovery program and has maintained its commitment to children’s literacy through ongoing professional development training with Hands. Literacy and Numeracy are hot topics here!
Willikies
Primary School
Number of Students: 71
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A recent termite infestation ravaged the bookshelves at Willikies. We took quick action and were able to salvage much of the collection, but the school is in need of some dire replacements, quickly.
Dominica
Lize and Giselle never let a creative opportunity pass them by. Students flourish with each literacy initiative this Literacy Link duo brings to the schools. Their commitment to great, local leadership and strong partnerships have made all the difference in driving literacy in the schools and communities they serve. Five years have passed since Hurricane Maria devastated the island, and we continue to build back in Dominica stronger and more committed than ever despite the additional challenges posed by the pandemic.
Belles
Primary School
Number of Students: 49
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The students are various readers and have personally requested new books, as they have already read each of the titles in the library several times over. We are so motivated to support such eager children!
Dominica
Community High School
Number of Students: 75
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school is set to undergo renovations with an important earmark made to grow what is currently a tiny library into a larger space. We look forward to placing a top-up and providing resources to support student librarian training and leadership development in the library.
Goodwill
Primary School
Number of Students: 332
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A recent increase in student enrollment means this school need some more books to meet growing demand and young readership!
Goodwill
Secondary School
Number of Students: 368
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
There is a wonderful interest in borrowing amongst both students and staff. This school does a timeshare with their lending coming from a neighboring school, but they are ready and in the process of building their own collections by establishing a local lending space in the teacher’s lounge — that’s commitment!
Grand Bay
Primary School
Number of Students: 175
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Major leaks at Grand Bay resulted in books becoming badly damaged. A rejuvenation is greatly needed for the upcoming school year’s re-launch.
Isaiah Thomas
Secondary School
Number of Students: 340
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The voracious readers at this secondary school are looking forward to new and fresh titles!
Kelleb John Laurent
Primary School
Number of Students: 100
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A library rejuvenation is requested to help equip students with vital skills, support school for programs to improve reading skills, and to build interest among new students.
Savanne Paille
Primary School
Number of Students: 43
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funds Pending
Portsmouth Rotary has just secured a container to provide a space as a library room. The Rotary is set to create floors, build shelves, and are eager to fund the purchase of books in partnership with Hands to get a small collection up for these young leaners.
Trafalgar
Primary School
Number of Students: 33
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The principal and the school’s planning team are hard at work converting a storage closet into a student library. Books are currently only available in classroom libraries, so a storage library would not only build lending collections, but would allow teachers to change out their classroom stock to support literacy goals and initiatives.
Gloria and Bernadette provide expert leadership and bring incredible focus and passion to their schools. They are serious about unleashing the power within each student and are dedicated to seeing every project through to completion. From library lending to teacher and administrator support, our Grenada Links have their finger on the pulse when it comes to supporting literacy programs and serving as leaders in building school and community programs.
Special Project with the Ministry of Education
Hands Across the Sea is proud to partner with the Ministry of Education on this important and meaningful project to create and rejuvenate four children’s libraries that will serve approximately 7,945 people throughout the country of Grenada. Together, we will build awareness and participation by offering world-class children’s books and programming in alignment with Hands’ CLASS Program, and look forward to co-creating educational content, reading programs, and community initiatives that will be accessible to thousands of Grenadian children and families.
River Sallee Community Library
Number of Students: 120
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Community Library
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,200
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
St. David’s Community Library
Number of Students: 3,000
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Community Library
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $9,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
St. John’s Community Library
Number of Students: 3,883
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Community Library
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $7,200
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Victoria Community Library
Number of Students: 942
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Community Library
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $9,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
St. Kitts & Nevis
Libraries in Saint Kitts and Nevis are flourishing with the care and precision Eleanor Phillip and Palsy Wilkin bring to the Federation’s literacy programs. Leadership development, preschool programs, and integrated library programming are just a few of the recent successes the Hands team has delivered to Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Beach Allen
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 380
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funded!
Beach Allen is a thriving program where children continue to love and utilize all of their books. This well-loved library could use a rejuvenation to keep the programs flourishing for this highly motivated community.
Cayon High School
(St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 362
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
Students at this large high school use books, but could use some newer and varied titles to keep the program engaging.
Charles E. Mills
Secondary (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 440
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
Charles E. Mills is a part of district where there are very high levels of engagement and library sharing. Many of the titles are redundant with the primary school titles, and the active readers are hoping for some new and fresh materials to keep their interest piqued. The leadership at Sandy Point holds a competition for children where they borrow and read lots of books, and this library is a feeder library for this competition.
Deane-Glasford
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 165
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
A top-up could go a long way in building engagement and motivation at this large school.
Dieppe Bay
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 98
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year:$1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
Students at this small school are very active readers. They would greatly benefit from new and engaging titles.
Dr. William Connor Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 350
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funded!
This large school has a bustling reading program with a motivated team of teachers and educators who are ready to continue their excellent lending program for the next generation of students.
Early Childhood Sector Library (Nevis)
Number of Students: 50
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Community Library
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funded!
The Sector Library will solely be a preschool and kindergarten lending space to provide transitional program support and resources for students and educators working toward early childhood learning goals.
Edgar T Morris
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 57
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Students were so engaged and we all had great fun during the school’s recent Poetry Day. This is a small school could benefit from a top-up and some caring mentorship to help jump-start programs and activities.
Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School (Nevis)
Number of Students: 85
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Palsy spent plenty of time during the last school year successfully working with EPP to build back their library recording systems after Covid’s impact. We are so proud of the advancements that have been made for this school where a top-up is in great need.
Irishtown
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 150
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The students here are reading well, but are in need of some more encouragement and exciting titles
Joycelyn Liburd
Primary School (Nevis)
Number of Students: 186
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
We are thrilled with the progress JLP has made in their school with getting their library lending up and running (with the help of new shelves!). Teachers and principals are deeply committed, and children are thoroughly engaged. The excitement is contagious, and we cannot wait to support this active and organized program with new, wonderful books.
Joshua O. Williams
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 122
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Joshua O. Williams students are highly engaged and in real need of new books and titles to keep up with their reading habits.
Maude Cross
Preperatory School (Nevis)
Number of Students: 127
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New School Alert! This private primary school support children ages 3 – 12. They have recently created a new library space and culled out old, inappropriate books in order to begin the process of creating a Hands library. They are an eager and ready partner, and we are excited.
Nevis Preschools (11)
Number of Students: 330
Library Need: New Libraries
Population Served: Preschool
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $12,550
Funding Status: Partially Funded
An extension of our Preschool Pilot in Grenada, Nevis’ 11 preschools set an example to behold for what it means to be committed to early literacy and community engagement. We are excited to continue building on the trust and respect we share with Nevis’ Department of Education and Early Childhood Education Unit to provide critical resources and programmatic support for hundreds of children across the island.
New Horizon Rehab Center (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 20
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
For children aged 11 through 17 who have experienced unique hardship, conflict with the law, or who are currently displaced, New Horizon provides an opportunity for close monitoring and for alternative intervention through education. Building a library with New Horizon is a part of our commitment to reaching all children and providing them the resources they need and deserve to create a future build on education and opportunity.
Newton Ground
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 77
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The librarian at Newton has a good borrowing and lending system and the students are active with their reading and could greatly benefit from new titles to support their program.
Sandy Point
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 343
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This large school has three grades per class. The robust library program here is well loved and the books are in constant use. A rejuvenation would ensure the program continues to thrive and will help to replace missing and damaged titles that have been very well loved through the years.
St. Kitts Spectrum Services Centre (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 35
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Preschool-Grade 2
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Students come here to seek out what they are interested in, and teachers utilize the library for books they need to support students during their one-hour therapy sessions.
St. Paul’s Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 165
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school is doing very well with their reading program. They have healthy borrowing and lending program. The students even go in to read during lunch time on their own accord as they pursue reading and borrowing for leisure.
St. Thomas’
Primary School (Nevis)
Number of Students: 211
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This large school and active program could benefit from new and exciting titles for the engaged children.
Tucker Clarke
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 450
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Partially Funded
Tucker Clarke is a very big school where children enjoy reading, and some fresh new titles would be a great joy.
Verchilds
High School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 325
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The library teacher is doing a very good program with the students providing and encouraging literacy with motivating displays. This exemplary school has created book clubs and even awards for students to incentivize and celebrate their book reading.
Violet Petty
Primary School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 89
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This is a small, highly engaged schools. The reading program is going well and the older children even use the books for research purposes. New titles would be fun and well utilized.
Washington Archibald High School (St. Kitts)
Number of Students: 895
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
A motivated librarian created displays and provides much encouragement. A library top-up is sought to help build student interest with new, relevant titles.
St. Lucia
Our Literacy Links, Sheila Serville and Mary-Anna Antoine are applying their decades of education leadership and helping to drive a great deal of enthusiasm for library programs in Saint Lucia. Hands coordinated with the schools to ensure the students’ excitement for reading was fully supported; we began a campaign to encourage lending over the winter holiday, and it was broadly successful across schools.
Anse La Raye
Primary School
Number of Students: 94
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades 3-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The school’s library is active. Students have read most of the books so top up requested by Principal to keep kids engaged.
Aux Lyons
Combined School
Number of Students: 186
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades k-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A termite infestation in the library resulted in many books lost which we are eager to replace with an important top-up.
Ave Maria RC
Infant School
Number of Students: 400
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-2
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The District Education Officer kindly requested a top up of books for this school where students are incredibly engaged and the library is thriving.
Ave Maria RC
Primary School
Number of Students: 533
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades 3-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
We are so glad that students of Ave Maria RC Primary continued with their reading during the pandemic. With such a voracious appetite, these kids are ready and eager for some new titles.
Babonneau
Primary School
Number of Students: 250
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A very robust program has children very involved. Babonneau is eager for a Student Library Program. The boys here are exceptionally engaged and are outpacing expectations with literacy. New titles are urgently requested to keep this program thriving.
Banse la Grace
Combined School
Number of Students: 100
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
The students are now working on C.P.E.A (the examination that replaced common entrance) and the book report component requires students to read more books. Top up is requested.
Bouton RC
Combined School
Number of Students: 46
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The Principal said that his library is in perfect condition, that the children continue reading very well, the program is going quite well, but he would like to get more books for boys.
Desruisseaux
Combined School
Number of Students: 219
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school is in needs of more book varieties.
Dugard
Combined School
Number of Students: 90
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The students are borrowing and still enjoying reading. The boys are very active, especially and are looking forward to connecting with new titles and stories.
Gros Islet
Primary School
Number of Students: 179
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades Pre K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded!
In Gros Islet, the Infant and Primary schools are now merged. Children are making very good use of the books, but there is a need for books for boys and new titles.
Les Etang
Combined School
Number of Students: 183
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Funded!
This school had no library until a hotel recently stepped up and sponsored the building of four new classrooms – one of which was created to become a library, which has now been furnished. Les Etang is very eager to get new books as a starting library, and they have certainly worked hard to make this possible.
Mongouge
Combined School
Number of Students: 105
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The children at Mongouge are excited about reading, and new titles would keep them engaged and the program active.
Montessori Center
Number of Students: 280
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Montessori Center has an established library space, but the pandemic has impacted motivation and participation of children. An influx of new and exciting titles would be most welcome to get things back up and running.
Piaye
Combined School
Number of Students: 110
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This is one of those schools that depended quite heavily on our partnership with the US Peace Corps. After the PCVs left St. Lucia, the lovely library had to have books placed into classrooms so that children could engage despite a lack of library leadership. Throughout the pandemic children borrowed and used books, and now that the library is back open, a rejuvenated collection would support these important literacy programs.
Piaye
Secondary School
Number of Students: 182
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funded!
This is a well-organized and well-utilized library space where particularly low-performing students are participating in a Restorative Program where they engage in reflective journaling and quiet reading time among other related activities so rejuvenating their supply with new books become a necessity.
Saltibus RC
Combined Shool
Number of Students: 110
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Children feel that they have read all the books and are in need of a top-up.
Stanley Jon Odlum
Secondary School
Number of Students: 365
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Secondary School
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funds Requested
This TVET (Technical and Vocation Education and Training) school is undergoing rejuvenation in partnership with Rotary Saint Lucia, Rotary West Chester, and Rotary Lansing.
Vieux Fort
Infant School
Number of Students: 199
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-2
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The school’s new principal is excited about literacy and has requested a top-up for this school which is growing in 2022 to include Pre-K. This lovely library was also impacted by the departure of Peace Corps Volunteers, but they are eager to get things back up and running
St. Vincent
Enna and Yvette have led Saint Vincent through two years of intense challenges which included Dengue Fever, a volcanic eruption, a hurricane, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout, our relationships with the community and the deep passion they bring to their work has forged new pathways during times of great uncertainty. Literacy initiatives have taken many forms over these two years as the schools have responded to each crisis, and we are eager for the 2022-2023 focus on getting in-person library and lending programs back up and running as a part of the reconstruction.
* This school’s collections were impacted by the 2021 volcanic eruptions.
Belair
Government School
Number of Students: 188
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Funded!
Existing collections are disorganized and very aged and not aligned with student needs and were culled. The school has been looking forward to partnering with Hands and has done the work to create shelving, space, and provide leadership in alignment with Hands’ program. Belair Government School has been in queue since 2020 to receive books.
Canouan
Government School
Number of Students: 190
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This would be the first time Canouan has the opportunity to build a Hands Library. Although there was an older, existing library, the space had to be abandoned when it was infested with insects. The school has earmarked a classroom to convert into a library space, with preparations already well underway. Canouan has been patiently awaiting this partnership since 2020.
Chateaubelair Methodist
Primary School*
Number of Students: 226
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The students are encountering setbacks in their reading and teachers are implementing programs to address the problem. The school has a youth apprentice (OECS YES worker) assigned to the library leadership, but the physical space needs a face lift and clean up. The books there are old, and worn. There are very few books that are appropriate to the students age and interest, and those that are appropriate are over used and torn.
Dickson
Government School*
Number of Students: 92
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Do not have a main library space; never received books. each class has a movable class cupboard/library that is monitored by the teacher, books are very aged and worn and much not suited to grade level. “Friends of Dickson” group is seeking funding to create/construct an unattached library. Teachers are willing to implement borrowing systems. New, colorful, age appropriate books will be a motivator to hep fulfill their dreams.
Fancy
Government School*
Number of Students: 67
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Fancy Primary has a lovely library space that has been recently renovated and fitted with new furniture and shelves and a small top up of books from Hands. However, due to online school and months of volcanic eruptions the students at the school are experiencing huge gaps in their learning especially in reading.
Fitz-Hughes
Government School*
Number of Students: 160
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The school was impacted by heavy deposits of ash as it is located in close range to the volcano. Many of the remaining books in the library look aged and show signs of much wear and tear. Teachers utilize the books with their classes, regularly. The principal spoke about the mental stress and anxiety that students are encountering as they face post eruption challenges.
Georgetown
Government School*
Number of Students: 380
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A lot of the books in the library were damaged by the ash and moisture during the eruption and had to be thrown away. Termites also attacked the shelves while the school was closed after the disaster, causing further loss. Georgetown received a donation of books last year from friends overseas, but many are not appropriate for primary level. The principal is in the process of seeking assistance from parents to get shelves built.
Langley Park
Government School*
Number of Students: 252
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The shelves are practically empty due to close proximity to the volcano and the heavy ash fall that followed last year’s eruptions. The building has been clean and the students are back at school, but the principal says that they are not settled emotionally. The students have experienced great trauma and learning loss, especially the early Grade K-2 children.
National Public Library
Number of Students: xxx
Library Need: New Library
Population Served: Community Library
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
After a very successful year working with the National Public Library on three “Book Caravan” journeys, we are excited to build on the partnership and commitment we share to children in Saint Vincent. Together, we will create a collection and lending program that will reach thousands of kids and families, provide them a space where they can connect, convene, and learn together. Pre K-12
Owia
Government School*
Number of Students: 174
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The main library structure is in tact, but the school lost many of the books due to the heavy ashfall and moisture during the volcanic eruption. From what remains, lending is ongoing and library time is still observed. Many books appear to be very used and worn. The principal is very committed to the operation of the main library and also small class libraries.
Pamelus Burke
Government School*
Number of Students: 125
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school received as much ash as the neighboring schools that are in the red zone. Books on the Kindergarten and Grade 1 shelves were mostly damaged during the eruption. The library is functional and has a history of doing well with their book lending. This is a full top-up with the additional purchase of extra books for Kindergarten and Grade 1 books due to damage.
Rose Hall
Government School*
Number of Students: 105
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The school is located in close proximity to the volcano, but there was no damage to the detached library room. A top-up would replace some of the books that were lost to heavy moisture and ash fall. The school has taken a whole school approach to CPEA and puts much emphasis on using the books to do structured book reports in all classes.
Sandy Bay
Government School*
Number of Students: 284
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school has been severely affected by the heavy ash fall. The principal is committed to the development of the library and has paid someone to remove all the ash in the library and clean and dust the books. She had to dispose over one barrel of books that were badly damaged. The books that remain in the library are not suited for children. The children are affected by the loss of school instruction and are behind in the literacy development.
Tourama
Government School
Number of Students: 103
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school has a new principal who is very committed to literacy development in the school. The library is a tiny building detached from the main building that is in need a face lift. They have cleaned up the heavy volcanic ash but some more cleaning and organization of the library is needed. Despite all these challenges the school has recommenced their library program and teachers are observing their library time.
Troumaca
Government School*
Number of Students: 205
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Before the volcanic eruption, the Principal here secured all of the books in the library in garbage bags for protection. After school resumed, a parent volunteered to clean the library from the ashes. All classes at this school are mandated to do a book report, and Hands’ library plays a critical role. A top-up of books to supplement what the school has and to motivate the students to continue reading would be put to immediate use.
Westwood Methodist
Primary School*
Number of Students: 52
Library Need: Top-up
Population Served: Grades K-6
Cost to fund for the 2022-23 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Westwood is in close proximity to the volcanic eruption. Although the physical library structure incurred no damage, the school lost many books because of the accumulation of heavy ash and critical clean up. The Principal spoke of students being very unsettled as they are try to cope with the traumatizing experience of the eruption. All levels of student here could do with some new books.
