The students stand in a semi-circle of sunshine streaming through the open doorway of the library. The cries of chirping birds echo outside the Jennings Primary School in Antigua. Hyacinth, a Literacy Link in the CLASS program, asks what the children like best about the library. A boy in the back answers, “I just feel the confidence and the quietness.” A girl says she likes all the new things she can learn from the books.
The 2021-2022 school year is upon us, and it is like no other we have experienced before! While regular and in-person schooling continues to experience disruption, libraries and literacy initiatives remain a bright spot for thousands of children in the Eastern Caribbean. In fact, literacy has been identified as one of the key focal points of the region’s Academic Recovery Programme, and Hands Across the Sea is humbled to be recognized as a vital partner in this very timely, very important work.
The schools below represent a handful of the more than 900 school and community libraries that are a part of the Hands Across the Sea network. These schools have been selected to receive a top-up, rejuvenation, or a brand-new library. This year’s order is built around Social and Emotional Learning with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive texts. 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 mobile 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. After a three-week Education Recovery session for Grades K-3, the duo is ready as ever to provide on-site mentorship and trainings for education and school administrators while they continue to serve the most pressing needs of our students.
Antigua Girls High School
Number of Students: 570
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
After a recent student-led book drive to grow their collections, Antigua Girls School is extra eager to receive a rejuvenation for their large and active student population!
Buckley’s Primary School
Number of Students: 133
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Buckley’s is hard at work! The summer Covid-relief program for early learners is one of the many ways this school continues to make literacy a priority.
Cedar Grove Primary School
Number of Students: 145
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet
When schools shut down amidst the pandemic, Cedar Grove allowed children to keep their book loans so they could read at home. We are excited to replenish and reward this school’s service.
Five Islands Primary School
Number of Students: 419
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Severe flooding during the 2020-2021 school year left Five Islands in need of book replacements.
Freetown Primary School
Number of Students: 43
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This active library could use a refresher of new books and titles.
Jennings Secondary School
Number of Students: 800
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Hyacinth and Jennings’ new Principal are ready to take action. This school recently culled old books out and is long overdue for a refreshed library.
New Bethel SDA Academy
Number of Students: 334
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
With hardly any books on the shelves, a top-up is our first step in the work ahead to build New Bethel’s reading program.
New Winthorpes
Primary School
Number of Students: 140
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $2,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New Winthorpes’ principal is devoted to making the library a place kids want to be. She has already had the library carpeted and installed air conditioning. New books would go a long way.
Ottos Comprehensive School
Number of Students: 700
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Ottos is taking big, bold steps to tackling literacy. We are excited to bring in some new books and help to build their collection of fiction titles to continue escalating the school’s library program.
Pares Secondary School
Number of Students: 106
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Pares Secondary has an active library, but they have way too many outdated titles and books in bad shape that we are all eager to move out and replace with appropriate, new, engaging materials.
St. Mary’s Secondary School
Number of Students: 210
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school is ready for some new titles and lots of fiction!
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 has made all the difference in driving literacy in the schools and communities they serve. Four years have passed since Hurricane Maria devastated the island, and we continue to build back in Dominica stronger and more committed than ever.
Bagatelle Primary School
Number of Students: 33
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The principal is reporting that students have read each title in the collections more than once! We are so excited to get them new and cutting edge stories to keep their imaginations growing!
Bellevue Chopin
Primary School
Number of Students: 33
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Bellvue has been patient – they are finally moving to a designated library space, just in time for an influx of new students.
Bense Primary School
Number of Students: 35
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New and exciting titles are requested to support growing minds!
Berean Christian Academy
Number of Students: 87
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Berean is eager to create space for new books!
Campbell Primary School
Number of Students: 29
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Campbell Primary School has a very active and engaged library. This school has been awaiting new books since Hurricane Maria, and we are so grateful to deliver.
Castle Bruce
Secondary School
Number of Students: 456
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This well used and well maintained library is ready for new titles!
Clamille Bilingual
Montessori School
Number of Students: 65
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This new school was added in February 2020, so we are starting from scratch. They have set up the shelves and space for books and are excited to get things kicked off!
Clifton Primary School
Number of Students: 29
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Clifton is a small but mighty school and ready for some great new titles!
Colihaut Primary School
Number of Students: 34
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New and exciting titles are requested to support growing minds!
Convent High School
Number of Students: 498
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school was destroyed by Hurricane Maria. E-books have been made available, but digital resources are not equitably available and the school’s leadership agrees that nothing replaces a book in hand.
Coulibistrie Primary School
Number of Students: 110
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This very active library is under the leadership of a very proactive librarian!
Dublanc Primary School
Number of Students: 40
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New and exciting titles are requested to support growing minds!
Feed My Sheep
Number of Students: 50
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This afterschool program provides books and resources for students and the community. We are happy to send new books to help refill collections that were damaged during Hurricane Maria.
Giraudel Primary School
Number of Students: 37
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Since Hands’ Student Librarian trainings, the principal reports plenty of improvements in the student reading program. Many books were destroyed during Hurricane Maria, and we are here to fill those gaps.
Goodwill Secondary School
Number of Students: 368
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school is generous! They are timesharing their library with other schools and are willing to convert their teachers’ lounge into a student library. That is commitment!
Grand Fond Primary School
Number of Students: 41
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This library rejuvenation will replace books that were destroyed during Hurricane Maria.
Mahaut Primary School
Number of Students: 75
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A new school is being constructed and students are moving in September 2021.
Newtown Primary School
Number of Students: 296
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,000
Funding Status: Partially Funded
Books got molded after Hurricane Maria. The school has a very organized library program, but they did not receive any new books after the hurricane.
Pierre Charles
Secondary School
Number of Students: 340
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New and exciting titles are requested to support growing minds!
Salisbury Primary School
Number of Students: 107
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,000
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
A new primary school has been constructed and will be moved into September 2021.
San Sauveur Primary School
Number of Students: 58
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
With so many books lost during Hurricane Maria, the schools is ready for new collections and great books to keep their committed children learning and growing.
Soufriere Primary School
Number of Students: 91
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded
Soufriere Primary has a very vibrant reading program but have not been able to receive no new books since Maria. We’re here to make it happen.
St. John’s Academy
Number of Students: 77
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
St. John’s is ready for Student Librarian trainings, and a rejuvenated library is just the thing to help make it possible.
St. Joseph SDA
Primary School
Number of Students: 120
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school’s roof was blown away during Hurricane Maria -the books were destroyed within the open building. St. Joseph’s SDA Primary is more than ready for this rejuvenation.
St. Mary’s Academy
Number of Students: 400
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Students are eager for a few new and exciting titles.
Temple SDA Primary School
Number of Students: 110
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Temple has a good stock but the books are well loved and outdated. We know this updated library will go far.
Warner Primary School
Number of Students: 48
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Warner Primary was completely destroyed during Hurricane Maria. They are ready for a top-up to add to their growing collections.
Woodfordhill Primary School
Number of Students: 102
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Woodfordhills, like so many others, lost their stock during Hurricane Maria and has requested a top-up to help fill in library gaps as they continue to rebuild.
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 they are dedicated to seeing every project through. From library lending to teacher and administrator support, our Grenada Links have their finger on the pulse when it comes to supporting literacy programs.
Bel Air
Number of Students: 35
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,500
Funding Status: Funded!
This foster home for boys (0-8) and girls (0-18) will receive a new library that will keep children of all ages and interests engaged for many years to come.
Grand Roy
Government School
Number of Students: 112
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
An enthusiastic and committed librarian keeps this program very active. Due to COVID, Library time is currently being done in the classrooms as scheduled. Books will support ongoing reader interests and growth.
Grenville Secondary School
Number of Students: 525
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,000
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The school librarian is enthusiastic and highly trained. The school is in dire need of new books with the book to student ratio at fewer than 0.4 books per student.
River Sallee Government Primary School
Number of Students: 105
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school received books from Hands many years ago, but they are now in dire need of new and replacement books. The eager library leadership has already organized a space to accommodate a library.
Telescope R. C. Primary
Number of Students: 196
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school has loved their books, which were delivered nearly eight years ago. An active librarian, strong student librarian program, and committed principal keep this program thriving.
Wesley College
Number of Students: 320
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This school was listed to receive books for the 2019 – 2020 school year but due to funding limitations had to wait. Presently there is a room available for the library, a librarian, and a library committee.
Libraries in Nevis are flourishing, and with a great leader like Palsy Wilkin and wonderful partners at the Department of Education, the children are ready to keep on their growth and journey. This small island has a lot of big talent coming out of it, and we are always inspired by their creativity and their commitment to library leadership. New books can help make all the difference!
Charlestown
Secondary School
Number of Students: 825
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded
We are working to get more of the new Grade 6 children into the library and are excited to bring in relevant and new materials to support this goal.
Gingerland Secondary School
Number of Students: 285
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Funded
We are keeping our fingers crossed that Gingerland will reopen in September. This active school is ready for new, great titles!
Ivor Walters Primary School
Number of Students: 182
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Funded
Damage from the roof resulted in the loss of quite a number of books, which we are eager to replace.
Violet O. Jeffers-Nichols Primary School
Number of Students: 73
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
An active library that continues to exemplify leadership. Old books have been culled, which were redistributed into the hands of children. It is time for an update and new title infusion!
St. Lucia
Libraries in St. Lucia are ready! After a year of Covid-related challenges, we are eager as ever to reach the young minds and hearts of St. Lucia with great new books. Our Literacy Links, Sheila and Mary-Anna, have their eye making sure children and youth continue to grow through new collections, rejuvenated spaces, and even a few brand new libraries ready to take action.
Beanfield Comprehensive Secondary School
Number of Students: 488
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Beanfield recently moved to new space and is ready for more books as it prepares to reopen.
Belle Vue Combined School
Number of Students: 106
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
After termites took to the library, many books and shelves were destroyed. The refreshed space has new shelving – all that is missing are some great books to get things up and running again!
Bexon Primary School
Number of Students: 119
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This vibrant and high functioning library in need of new materials to keep children engaged and growing.
Bocage Combined School
Number of Students: 130
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Bocage Combined school has a library set up but the books are not appropriate. We are eager, and so is the school’s leadership, to get a new library set up for the children to grow and learn with.
Boguis Primary School
Number of Students: 62
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $4,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
This request for a library is a long time coming. Boguis is ready!
Ciceron Secondary School
Number of Students: 520
Library Need: New Library
Primary or Secondary School: Secondary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $2,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The school has a rich language department and strong leadership, but library books are desperately needed.
Fond Assau Primary School
Number of Students: 133
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Fond Assau’s new principal shares our enthusiasm for libraries and literacy!
Grace RC Combined School
Number of Students: 130
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New and exciting titles are requested to support growing minds!
Laborie RC Girls
Primary School
Number of Students: 162
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Laborie Girls has a good stock to build on – this top-up will really help to boost their very active library. With great support from the principal, we know this shipment will go far for these growing girls!
Micoud Primary School
Number of Students: 396
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The children are doing such an amazing job as student librarians that they know every book in the library already! Time to get new titles!
Plain View Combined School
Number of Students: 600
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Plain View has rejuvenated their space and reorganized collections. A library-top up is just in time for their recently upgraded media and literacy programs.
Reunion Primary School
Number of Students: 164
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New and exciting titles are requested to support growing minds!
Roseau RC Combined School
Number of Students: 138
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $3,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Water and mold damages led to this library’s closure. Roseau is ready to reopen – let’s get them the books and make it possible!
St. Aloysius RC Boys’
Primary School
Number of Students: 399
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
We love how active St. Aloysius keeps their boys with the reading program! This top-up is sure to bring a smile and build imagination for so many active young readers!
Soufriere Primary School
Number of Students: 231
Library Need: Rejuvenation
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $2,800
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
The books available at the school are mostly worn out, in poor condition, outdated, and overused.
Vide Bouteille Primary School
Number of Students: 460
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
New and exciting titles are requested to support growing minds!
Vieux Fort Primary School
Number of Students: 231
Library Need: Top-up
Primary or Secondary School: Primary
Cost to fund for the 2021-22 School Year: $1,600
Funding Status: Not Yet Funded
Vieux Fort’s lovely library is supported by a wonderful teacher librarian and a Catholic nun as an on-site literacy expert! Amazing leadership will support this top-up!
