Seventy students will receive certificates and other prizes as a token of appreciation for sharing their Irma and Maria hurricane experiences.

Secretary General, BVI National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Allison Flax- Archer said students were invited to put in writing, their experience about hurricanes Irma and Maria as the commission is constantly looking for ways to foster the love for reading and writing among students.

Dr. Flax-Archer added, “We are happy to say that the responses were positive, and we want to encourage other students to continue to put their thoughts on paper, as we know that the topic of hurricanes Irma and Maria will be on the minds of our students for years to come; and writing is an excellent way to express our innermost feelings.”

Dr. Archer thanked the students, teachers and parents who participated in the project by sharing their stories. She added that every year, the BVI National Commission for UNESCO highlights two significant dates which are World Poetry Day observed on March 21 and World Book Copyright Day observed on April 23. She said the events have been merged this year and the writing project is part of activities to observe both events. 

Meanwhile, Director for M.A.L.E., Pastor Henderson Tittle said he was gratified to be part of this project, and to be able to facilitate students expressing their feelings through writing.

He said, “When I heard Secretary General, Dr. Flax-Archer sending out an invitation for students to write, I immediately grasped at the opportunity and organised to make this into a project where the voice of the students could be heard.  I am glad that this idea was able to materialise, and students were able to say what is on their hearts and minds and use the opportunity as therapy as well.”

Mentor and Assistant for M.A.L.E, Ms. Sharie deCastro was instrumental in editing and providing writing tips for the participating students.  She said the experience was both rewarding and enlightening.

Ms. deCastro said, “I was able to re-live the experience of each child through their poems, stories and songs, as I realise how much our students have to say about the life-changing experience of surviving hurricanes of this magnitude.”

Footage was captured of the students as they shared their creations of stories, poems, and songs for posterity and a future video production.

The prize giving ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 5 at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School at 2:00 p.m.

The event is collaboration between the BVI’s office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the local club, Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (M.A.L.E.).