BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FIVE pupils from the Irish Town and Tucker Clarke Primary Schools were rewarded yesterday (Aug. 20) for their scholastic achievement and diligence.
The lucky pupils received, among other things, schoolbags, exercise books, stationary, shoes and school uniforms. The generous donor was none other than Edris Lewis-Viechweg, designer of the national flag, assisted by her friend Beverley Stewart.
In the presence of Senior Education Officer Rita Cable, Lewis-Viechweg and Stewart presented Nathan Chiverton, Denicia Phipps, Khervita Phipps, Adonice Williams and Joann Davis with their gifts. All are recent graduates who will be matriculating to secondary school in September.
According to the principals of both schools, the pupils’ socio-economic backgrounds, as well as their general behaviour and involvement in extracurricular activities, also factored into their selection.
Lewis-Viechweg had words of encouragement for the pupils and their parents.
“By accepting this, you are accepting the responsibility that is placed on you. We are making you leaders and examples for your peers to follow,” she stressed. “Parents, I’m asking you to not give up on your children, even when it seems hopeless. They need to be led and guided so they become responsible adults.”
Speaking to SKNVibes, Lewis-Viechweg informed that this was the third year of her annual donation. The former teacher said she targeted those two schools because of her teaching links to Irish Town and her years of residence in Newtown.
She divulged that similar presentations were made to four students of the Charlestown Secondary and Gingerland Secondary Schools in Nevis, and that clothing and hygienic supplies were also donated to the elderly residents of Cardin Home.
In thanking Lewis-Viechweg for her generous donation, Cable highlighted the importance of private citizens working together with the Ministry of Education to enhance the teaching process. She encouraged others to follow Lewis-Viechweg’s lead and wished the students well in the upcoming academic year.
