US Ambassador Brent Hardt presented a new stove, a collection of books and other materials to the Enterprise Primary School to support its literacy and nutrition programmes.
In a press release, the Embassy said Head Mistress Faye Agnes Williams, Literacy Educator Vincent Phillips and the literacy programme students gave the ambassador a hearty welcome.
The ambassador met with members of the school’s PTA and staff and presented the school with a new six-burner gas stove and school supplies to foster a better learning environment. National Literacy Coordina-tor at the Ministry of Education Murray Greenidge also participated in the October 19 event and underscored the need to work together to achieve greater literacy and numeracy in Guyana, the embassy said.
In his address, Hardt spoke to the group about the importance of learning and listened while the students read some of the new books the school received.
The ambassador also emphasised the importance of “community alliances” that can aid in finding solutions to problems facing school and communities.
“These alliances are helping expand school programmes, improve school infrastructure and buildings, and ensure better management of educational assets in the community in order to achieve higher quality education for all,” the release said.
According to the release, the stove will be used to facilitate the school’s teaching of home economics to students. The PTA will also offer home economics classes to parents and teachers who are eager to learn or refine their general cooking skills, paired with nutrition and diet education. In addition, the stove will allow staff to prepare hot meals as a complement to the School Feeding Programme.
The School Feeding Programme focuses on maximising learning capacity through relief of short term hunger and improved attendance.
The Embassy said the collection of books cover topics such as the importance of being a good citizen, keeping the environment clean and books that describe aspects of the United States. The ambassador commended all the volunteers who read aloud and encouraged all students to continue to enjoy learning and reading.
The Embassy believes that literacy and numeracy are fundamental to informed decision-making, personal empowerment, self-esteem, creativity, a healthy lifestyle and raising a family.
The Embassy, the release noted, is working with schools across the country to promote education, international exchanges, youth leadership, environmental awareness, volunteerism and cultural understanding.
