Cayman’s literacy charity, Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE) has appointed two new members to its Board of Directors. Lynne Byles, founder and Managing Director of Tower Marketing, and Sam Nehra, HR specialist and Chief of Staff at Real Vision, join six incumbents. Their appointments come as the PACT government continues to invest heavily in education, committing over $200 million to projects, including the introduction of nursery facilities for 3-year-olds at every public primary school.

“LIFE is so pleased to welcome these ladies to our team of committed Directors. Both bring a lot of experience and expertise to the table. Low literacy is a driver of inequality, which can pose serious socio-economic consequences. We are thrilled to continue to grow our organisation and empower future generations of the Cayman Islands,” said Woody Foster, LIFE Chairman.

With the Education Data Report 2020, published by the Department of Education Services, showing a troubling discrepancy between the performance of boys and girls, with 63% of girls meeting national expectations, compared to 48% of boys, and the actual outcomes of Year 6 students falling significantly short of Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) predictions, education, and the importance of literacy as a gateway to learning, are being brought front and centre of the national agenda.

“All children have the right to literacy. Being able to read and write is the key to accessing education and employment and to participating fully in society. I am delighted to join the board of LIFE to help advocate for stronger literacy outcomes for the children of Cayman,” said Byles.

LIFE continues to expand its education and community outreach programmes into early childhood, a critical time of brain and language development for children aged birth to five years old. Recognising the importance of early childhood centres for children below the age of compulsory education, the Office of Educational Standards’ 2019 Annual Report highlighted international research demonstrating the critical impact of the quality of a child’s early childhood experience on future academic outcomes and educational participation.

Commenting on her appointment, Nehra said, “I am passionate about supporting LIFE and the amazing work they are doing to ensure literacy is not seen as a taboo subject. It is one of the most critical foundations for any society wanting the best opportunities for their future generations.”

For more information about how you can get involved in LIFE’s mission, email [email protected] or visit their website at www.life.org.ky.