A board game, called Into The Eye, a tool for hurricane awareness in the Caribbean, yet a pleasurable pastime for all players, has now found its way in the schools of Anguilla.
Designed and developed by Mr Bernard Wattley, Director of Library Services, from an assignment he undertook over 20 years ago at the University of the West Indies, the Into The Eye game, perfected and manufactured in China, was first introduced by Mr Wattley at a launching ceremony at the Anguilla Public Library in July this year.
Mr Wattley donated one hundred sets of the game to the Education Department on Tuesday for distribution to the Public and Private Primary Schools and Comprehensive School. He said he had taken up a challenge made by Chief Education Officer, Mrs Rhona Connor to ensure that supplies of the fascinating game were made available to the schools.
Wattley stated that in fulfilment of that challenge he was able to secure the support of a number of sponsors to providing the necessary funding. There were positive responses from DigicelAnguillla, Malliouhana Insurance (MAICO), J W Proctors, TransPharm Ltd., the Anguilla Social Security Board and the Anguilla United Front. Responses are being awaited from several other businesses.
“I thank you publicly for your willingness to participate in his worthwhile initiative,” Mr Wattley went on. “I urge you, Madam Education Officer, Curriculum, to implore teachers that in using the game that they be vigilant in ensuring that students treat the game pieces with respect and are not misplaced.” Mr Wattley said that the ultimate aim was to have the game in every household in Anguilla and across the region.
Ms Sandra Fahie, Education Officer, Curriculum, described the game as a particular resource to enhance the delivery of the Education Department’s Social Studies Curriculum. “The use of games is a strategy used by teachers and there are several benefits for students through the use of games,” she said. “Games offer the opportunity for practice and the skill application which goes beyond the pen and paperexercises that teachers normally give to students in the classroom. They teach communication and social skills so players must communicate with each other.”
Ms Maglan Richardson, Deputy Director, Social Security, spoke on behalf of the sponsors who were all delighted over their sponsorships. She stated that the Social Security Board saw the game as an important learning tool for children. In her view, it was also an encouragement to children to fulfil their dreams as Mr Wattley had done by creating and designing the game, thus fulfilling a long dream.
The retail price per game is US$25.00.
