BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A national non-profit organisation called the Ripple Institute earlier this week made a donation of library supplies to the Irish Town Primary School, which consist of a flat screen wireless desktop, a heavy duty sharpener, a box of paper folders, a box of stationary goods, a projector and an easel.
The donation, valued at US$3 000, were handed over on Tuesday morning (Oct.1st) during the school’s morning General Assembly on its premises in Central Basseterre.
SKNVibes understands that money to secure the purchase of the items was attained through a grant provided by the Australian Embassy in Trinidad.
Notably, the Ripple Institute donated an air condition unit to the school, which was installed ahead of the formal handover ceremony.
Members of the Ripple Institute present at the ceremony were founder and President Dr. Izben Williams, who is a psychiatrist and former Ambassador to the USA; Executive Assistant Della’ P Stanley; and Executive Director Ruby Thomas; while representatives of the Irish Town Primary School were Technical Assistant/Library Assistant Dion Browne and Psychologist and Child Specialist Monique Lescott.
Thomas outlined that the donation was given “to improve the services offered by the library with hope that students would be encouraged to read and improve their literacy skills. This literacy project is one of several undertaken by the Ripple Institute, whose mission is the wholesome development of children and youth”.
She went on to say: “Our focus on literacy at Irish Town Primary School is in keeping with our mission to help children become competent and confident individuals. This Institute is happy that is was able to secure funds from the Australian Embassy in Trinidad to purchase what is displayed here as well as an air conditioning unit which is already installed.”
According to Thomas, “From reports received, the library has become one of the most sought after rooms in the school…I am sure the Australian Embassy would be pleased to get this report. Improvement in technology at the pace and changes in the 21 century have increased the need for literacy.”
“The Institute hopes that every teacher would commit himself or herself to ensuring that every child learns to read at the level expected by his or her age. It is also hoped that every child here would recognise the need for literacy and make use of the opportunities provided,” she added.
Teacher at the Irish Town Primary School, Juzan Dore, thanked the Ripple Institute for its contribution to aid the school’s learning environment “as we continue to strive for excellence”.
It is understood that after the US Peace Corp volunteer who used to assist in the school’s library had returned home, Thomas had encouraged Browne to take up that post and do the same every Tuesday and Thursday.
Thomas informed SKNVibes that in the near future the Institute would be starting up analytical board games in schools in Basseterre and the rural areas in the island, and such is one of the projects geared towards working with the community.
The Ripple Institute is a national non-profit, apolitical, social development and community service organisation that was incorporated in May 2012.
The Institute functions in conformity with the provisions of the Non-Governmental Organisational Act of St. Kitts and Nevis (no. 41 of 2008) and its essential purpose is for the wholesome development of the children and youth of St. Kitts.
The Mission of the Ripple Institute is to influence the wholesome development of children and youth through age appropriate and outcome-focused programming which is informed by relevant research; in order to assist them in attaining their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent, and caring individuals with strong family and democratic values.
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