WRITE SOMETHING IN THE BIG BOOK A New Literacy Campaign

The Literacy Development Project in Anguilla took on a new dimension on Tuesday this week with the launching of the “Just Write Big Book” which is now making its rounds at all the schools in the various communities on the island. The launching ceremony was held at the Public Library at which were top officials in the Ministry and Department of Education and teachers and students from the public and private schools.

Ministry and Department of Education Officials and Teachers at Launching Ceremony

The book was unveiled by Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Rhonda Connor, and Curriculum Officer, Early Childhood Education, Mrs. Susan Smith. It is approximately three and a half feet by two and ahalf feet when closed, and three and a half feet by five feet when opened. The book which has over 200 blank pages for writing, and weighswell over 100 pounds, was designed by Andy Brown of Signs and Designs.

School children at the Launching Ceremony

Permanent Secretary responsible for Education, Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett, recalled that the Ministry and Department of Education, having recognised the importance of literacy and observed the decline in literacy standards on the island, embarked on a promotional campaign earlier this year. She said it was geared towards raising awareness in the Anguillian community about the importance of sound literacy skills to social, economic and political development.

First step in journey: Island Harbour Christian Pre-school

“The Just Write Big Book initiative is yet another critical component of the campaign,” Mrs. Petty-Barrett told her listeners. “It emerged with the goal of encouraging all Anguillians, young and old, to “Just Write” – to simply communicate their original thoughts, poems, short stories and other such compositions in written form.
“Many describe literacy as the entry point to basic education and a passport to life-long learning. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. Consequently, it is imperative for all of us to engage in activities that will raise literacy levels thus cultivating a population that is capable of functioning effectively in this rapidly-changing world.

“Bearing that in mind, I am sure you can understand why I feel compelled to say that we are enthused by your presence and anticipate your continued support as we all remain committed to promoting literacy as a key element in our personal and national development.”

Education Officer, Curriculum, Sandra Fahie, listed the National Marathon Guidelines for using the Big Book. They are as follows: the activity is open to all members of the public; original thoughts, poems and short stories or other such compositions are solicited; the word limit is 250 words; the topic/subject must be appropriate for public reading; schools are required to make at least one entry per class/form; entries can be submitted by individuals: students, teachers and principals; entries can be accompanied by illustrations no larger than 5”x7”; school entries must have the full name, age, school, class/form and village of the writer(s); entries must be composed in school even if edited at home; entries made by pre-schoolers and kindergarteners can have drawings. Any writing can be traced or done with the assistance of the teacher not by the teacher. These entries must be pasted in “scrap book” style. All other grade entries (1 to 6 and Forms 1 to 6) must be hand-written. Entries must be neat and well-written.

The journey of the Big Book was outlined by Literacy Champion, Vanessa John, as follows – the Pre-Schools: Island Harbour Christian; First Steps; Omololu Institute;Prophecy; Central Christian; St. Mary’s; Ebenezer; Liz; Bethel; and Maranatha.

Primary Schools: Alwyn Allison; Adrian T. Hazell; Valley; Orelia Kelly; Vivien Vanterpool; Morris Vanterpool; John A. Gumbs Academy; and Central Christian.
Secondary School: Pupils Referral Unit; WISE; Campus B and Campus A and the Public Library.
In giving the Vote of Thanks, Literacy Consultant, Celeste Burton, said that an initiative, like the Big Book, required commitment, dedication and hard work. She expressed gratitude to all the individuals and groups who had worked tirelessly to see the literacy project reach its present stage. She thanked all persons in general by whose support it was hoped that the Big Book initiative would reach a publishable stage.