(GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS) – Students at the International College of the Cayman Islands are doing their part to help children develop a love for reading. This academic quarter students collected $600.00 as part of a service project designed to give back to the Cayman community. The contributions are directly benefiting three schools: Savannah Primary, George Town Primary, and Bodden Town Primary based on a student vote. Each school will receive a check for $200.00 to assist their respective library buy new books.

“This is an extraordinary gesture,” said George Town Primary PTA President Cheyenna Stewart. “I was in the middle of ordering more books for the library and this contribution from ICCI students came just in time. Our children have a hunger to read. The more books we can put in front of them, the more we increase their chances of becoming accomplished readers.”

ICCI Student Council Member Kimberly Martin made the check presentation to George Town Primary. “I really feel good about what we are doing as students to help with this literacy project. I think our actions will help these kids develop the reading and writing skills needed to get them to college some day.”

At Savannah Primary School, students gathered in an assembly to receive the contribution.

They stood proudly in front of the large presentational check and bragged about their reading skills.

Savannah Primary Student Librarian Nazia Jacques thanked ICCI for the “big donation.” She said she and her three fellow student librarians work to “help everyone understand what they are reading and ask good thinking questions about the stories they see in their books.”

“Our students understand how reading can unlock the doors to future success. So for them to see college students stand in front of them to talk about the importance of reading, I think it will have a big impact on them,” said Carol Ann Peart,

Savannah Primary Teacher/Librarian.

“I was sitting right where you were a few years ago,” said ICCI student Kayla Wood and Savannah Primary graduate. She made the presentation to Savannah Primary. “If you learn to read and do well in school, you too can go to college some day,” said Wood.

Billed as “ICCI Gives Back,” the ICCI Student Council meets quarterly to discuss how ICCI students can provide meaningful service to the community.

“We really encourage our students to be involved with service at ICCI because it is part of our mission,” said ICCI President Dr. David Marshall. It is not enough to produce ICCI graduates with knowledge and skills in their fields of study. We have to let students know they have an obligation to take their education and do their part in building their communities and the nation.

The Bodden Town Primary check presentation is scheduled for next week. In the meantime, ICCI students say they are looking for ways to raise more funds to help strengthen reading programs in more primary schools. “I think we are doing the right thing,” said Martin. “I am really proud of my classmates and my school.”

Founded in 1970, the International College of the Cayman Islands the Birthplace of Tertiary Education in the Cayman Islands. The College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The mission of the International College of the Cayman Islands is to prepare students for career placement and enhancement. The ICCI education instills attitudes, behaviors, sensitivities, skills and knowledge that are essential to life and learning.

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All Photos: ICCI