As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the University College of the Cayman Islands marked International Literacy Day with outreach visits to two primary schools in Grand Cayman.
Faculty, staff and students from UCCI visited Sir John A. Cumber Primary School in West Bay and Red Bay Primary School in George Town, where they read stories with children and spoke about the importance of literacy in the digital age. The visits were part of a global recognition of International Literacy Day held annually on 8 Sept.
At both schools, students were introduced to this year’s theme, ‘Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era’.
UCCI representatives encouraged children to view reading as a tool for knowledge and creativity, while also emphasising the benefits of books over excessive screen time.
Organisers said the message focused on how reading strengthens writing, listening, confidence and imagination.
At Sir John A. Cumber Primary, the sessions ended with students chanting “readers are leaders,” which teachers and visitors said captured the spirit of the day.
UCCI officials said the event was intended to inspire young readers but also energised the university’s own team.
“While the day was designed to encourage students, our faculty and students left motivated by the energy and curiosity they witnessed,” UCCI said in a statement.
The literacy initiative is one of several activities planned as part of UCCI’s golden jubilee celebrations. Upcoming events include an ecumenical service scheduled for 21 Sept. at Sir Vassel Johnson Hall on the UCCI campus in George Town.
