Local author Ms. Angela Burnette has donated over 250 copies of her book ‘The Irma Diaries’ to schools across the Territory as part of her ‘Read to Heal School Programme’.

Ms. Burnette has partnered with various businesses from the private sector and officially launched the programme at the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School.

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn who was present during the event highlighted the importance of food security and encouraged the students to be active in their school garden programmes. 

Honourable Walwyn said, “I remind you students of the responsibilities each one of you has and encourage you to do your part in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and ensure that our Territory is better prepared for any future natural disaster. I also urge to take seriously the skills you are learning while you are participating in planting your gardens.”

Ms. Burnett in her remarks explained that the programme is designed to bring the book into schools to share its important life lessons, help heal the lingering trauma from hurricane Irma and educate students about climate change in a very personal way.

She said, “The books will be available to students at their school libraries and available for integration into classroom activities and the programme will be supported by in-class readings and discussions hosted by survivors. “

Ms. Burnett looks forward to seeing the book forming part of the formal school curriculum so that this important part of the Virgin Island’s history and its lessons could be preserved through the generations.

Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies student Kais Masson read  an excerpt from Mr. Albert Wheatley’s survivor story captured in the book. Mr. Wheatley’s story stressed the importance of building more resiliently for the stronger hurricanes that will be experienced as a result of climate change.

Persons interested in volunteering to read and host discussions with students under ‘Read to Heal’ can sign up through The Irma Diaries’ website: www.TheIrmaDiaries.com.