Children from George Town Primary celebrated International Literacy Day.

And the highlight was a special visit from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service’s K-9 Unit.

The youngsters could see first hand the work of the police dogs and enjoy readings from Minister of Education Rolston Anglin.

They were also joined by their parents to learn about different cultural backgrounds from all across the world.

The World’s Day of Reading

Kids at George Town Primary School (GTPS) celebrated UNESCO International Literacy Day yesterday.

In their morning assembly students from years 2 – 5 were joined by the K-9 unit’s German Shepherd, Maxo, for a demonstration as well as a meet and greet.

Students were able to ask the handler questions and take turns to pet the dog.

Ms. Marie Martin, Principal for GTPS said, “ The assembly was directed by Officer William Bodden from the K-9 unit and he’s planning routine visits to each of the primary schools sharing what the dog does. For example, going around doing searches for illegal drug substances. Today was George Town Primary’s day and from here he goes on to the eastern districts.

“The kids enjoyed seeing how skilled the dog is in locating these illegal substances. Items of clothing were hidden around the hall and he was able to locate them.”

Officer Bodden was assisted by Senior Constable, PC 233, Miguel McFarlane.

The students then moved on to reading sessions with Lions Club members who took time from their day to show their support for literacy.

Mr. Mitch Ebanks, representative of the Lions Club said, “The Lions support International Literacy Day not just by reading to kids but we also have other projects throughout the year that involve learning.

“Literacy is extremely important in Cayman because we want to be able to raise the literacy level in order for us to have really productive citizens.

“We also take part in the national spelling bee. We are trying to help improve the literacy rate in Cayman and there’s no better place to start than with the youth.”

The Minister of Education, Mr. Rolston Anglin attended the festivities to read to the students. He said, “Literacy is fundamental to all learning, irrespective of what subject it is.

“It is really with pleasure that the ministry have put people at various schools today, sharing what our teachers and students are doing at all of our individual campuses.

“Obviously George Town Primary School is a wonderful example of how teachers can be creative in bringing home the theme that reading allows you to access other cultures, sciences and mathematics too. That is why the Ministry pays so much attention to it.”

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