Students at Thelma Gibson Primary School took centre stage as leaders in learning during a special assembly marking International Literacy Day. The event was highlighted by the proud display of books authored by the students themselves – a powerful symbol of how young voices are leading the charge in promoting literacy.

The celebration was attended by special guest Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister, who applauded the students’ achievements and encouraged them to continue being active participants in their own educational journey.

Mrs Davis emphasised that literacy is more than just reading and writing – it is the foundation for freedom of expression, gender equality, and progress in a digital world.

“This day gives us the opportunity to observe how our students are receiving and utilizing educational tools and programs designed to promote literacy,” she said. 

“And I want all of you smart students to do me a very big favour: become active participants with your parents, teachers, churches, and communities in fostering quality education.”

She challenged the students to take the lead by reading newspapers to their parents and grandparents, forming book clubs at school to share stories with one another, participating in speech and elocution contests, and reading bedtime stories to their younger brothers and sisters. These everyday actions, she said, can help build a strong national culture of literacy.

Following the assembly, Mrs Davis toured the school alongside school officials and Minister of Energy and Transport JoBeth Coleby-Davis. During the tour, she stopped to admire the students’ self-authored books – clear evidence that literacy is alive and well among the nation’s youngest citizens.

International Literacy Day, celebrated globally on September 8, was established by UNESCO in 1966. This year marks 59 years of championing literacy as a basic human right and a driver of development.