Inaugural Community Literacy Clinic Declared a Success by Head of National Task Force Dr. Sylvia Henry

Head of the National Task Force on Literacy Education, Dr Sylvia Henry, has described the inaugural Community Literacy Clinic as “a huge success”, as children and parents eagerly participated in the range of activities held at the Clapham Community Centre on Saturday.

Designed to make literacy resources more accessible in communities, the clinic featured storytelling, private literacy consultations, book giveaways courtesy of The St Michael School literacy group, puppetry, and puzzle games — all aimed at nurturing a love for reading and literacy development.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY, Henry said, “The response was greater than we expected. Luckily, we took several books and play activities to keep the children engaged.”

“The energy of the children kept us busy and took me back to my classroom days.”

Henry noted that parents eagerly collected bags filled with books and puzzles, showing a strong commitment to improving literacy at home.

This Literacy Clinic is the first of many planned across Barbados, with the task force aiming to hold monthly events in communities where reading and writing skills are most needed.

In a previous interview, Dr Henry highlighted the importance of the clinics as part of a strategy to address broader social issues.

“Where there is a dearth of literacy skills in the community, crime and poverty reside,” she said, noting the transformative power of literacy for both individual and community well-being.

The task force, in partnership with Earthen Vessels Ministries, offers literacy support on-site and provides screenings for individuals and groups, strengthening the impact through partnerships with schools, organisations, and government agencies.

She shared that these collaborations ensure a steady supply of resources such as books and digital tools, with assistance from retired educators and community volunteers.

“Our mission is clear,” Henry shared. “We want to provide opportunities for children and adults to be transformed through literacy in a way that contributes to their personal development and the sustained growth of Barbados.” (SM)