BAR Walks for Literacy



From left: Leandra Wilkinson, Pearson's hardworking agent in Barbados; The BAR Walkers at Independence Square and a little literacy campaigner





Showers of free books descended on the urban districts of Nelson Street, Bayville and Beckles Road as Members of the Barbados Association of Reading marched in support of literacy during their first Barbados Walk for Literacy last week.

The books, donated by Pearson Education, included popular titles from their Caribbean section for junior readers as well as new novels by Caribbean writers. Classic West Indian novels, dictionaries and promotional gifts were also distributed to passers-by.

Earlier in the week, residents of the areas were informed by mail, newspaper and radio advertisements of the event and were eager to receive the popular titles to read with their little ones or to pass on the older children in the household. Some lucky bus passengers waiting for their bus to move off also received books from the walkers as they passed by.

A welcome addition to the Walk was the JOOI club, The Garrison Octagon Debating Club which worked with BAR to complete a JOOI of Reading project. The kids devised their own pro-reading slogans and made colourful placards to carry on the road. "It was great fun!" said Li-Ann and Dario two of the Octagons who gave up their Saturday morning to help distribute the books. Charlene and her friend Leann, members of FilmGarrison, a kids photography club, chronicled the event for their Rights of the Child Project.

A special mention should be made of writer Linda Deane who, in addition to being the featured reader at the finale at the Esplanade, came with three generations of her family to support the project. Iman Beckles, Linda's niece, costumed as Pippi Longstocking and her daughter Izora were among the youngest participants in Walk. They were accompanied by their grandparents, Mr and Mrs Clement Deane. Linda also gave us some useful publicity on her Arts ETC website.

"Next year we hope to have greater participation from youth groups and schools in the area where we are walking." noted BAR Public Relations Officer, Cheryl Williams. She pointed out that promoting literacy was a collaborative community effort and that all members of a community should make it a priority.