Guardian ( Trinidad and Tobago )
06 July 2023 ( Page 28 )
East Port-of-Spain pupils proud to read aloud
Having launched their literacy training partnership
in October 2022, Shell Trinidad Ltd and the Arrow
Foundation have been constantly looking at new
ways to inspire primary school pupils to achieve their
best.
Their latest “Read Aloud” initiative is focused on
bringing literature alive by having local authors read
their work at schools across the east Port-of-Spain
region where the Shell-Arrow partnership is focused.
Over 120 pupils have benefited thus far from the
interactive reading sessions, hosted at Excel
Beetham Estate Government, Morvant New
Government, Rose Hill Government and Chinapoo
Government.
Ann Antoine, principal of Excel Beetham Estate
Government Primary School, was enthusiastic about
Read Aloud saying: “This was a great initiative and
the children got to see communication, drama,
expression and intonation come to life, and they are
encouraged to read more.
“Overall, the Arrow training is making a difference
by improving the students’ self-esteem and
approach to reading. They are embracing the
technological approach, and this is igniting a passion
for learning.”
Local authors read to pupils, who were totally
immersed in the experience and bursting with
questions afterward.
“Participating in this exercise were authors reading
their original works: Shurla Blades—Mr Hawk-Eagle
and the Julie Mangoes; Asif Cassim— The ABCs of
Money; and Phillip Simon—Petra and the Poui.
Senior Arrow tutor and auditor, Bridgid Richardson,
also took part, dramatically acting out the book Lost
at Carnival by Gail Morong.
Managing director of the Arrow Foundation,
Christopher Bonterre, said, “Shell has assisted over
1,700 students since 2012, and we are proud to help
them further transform the educational landscape.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a serious setback, and
we are implementing systems that are supporting
learners at varying levels.
Photos -
Ashley Broadbelt of the Arrow Foundation is all
smiles with these Chinapoo Government Primary
School pupils./
Chinapoo Government Primary School pupils share
a special moment with authors, principal, teachers
and Arrow staff./
Pupils of Morvant Government Primary School
celebrate after the session.
Author Shurla Blades reads Mr Hawk- Eagle and the
Julie Mangoes to pupils of Rose Hill Government
Primary School.