PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club of St. Maarten, in recognition of Rotary Literacy Month, is distributing children's books to all St. Maarten Primary Schools. Rotary International has observed Literacy Month each March since 1983 and each primary school will receive six copies of the Lizzy Lizard storybook by Ms. Robin Boasman, as well as copies of The Butterfly Book.
The Lizzy Lizard book was written while Boasman was attending Teacher's College at the University of St. Maarten. Ms. Boasman wrote the book as part of her coursework and the book was published in mid-2013. Over 120 books will be distributed to both government subsidized, and non-subsidized St. Maarten Primary Schools. This distribution is made possible as a result of the combined efforts of CIBC First Caribbean Bank and the Rotary Club of St. Maarten.
In addition, 200 copies of The Butterfly Book, a compilation of 10 children's stories, will be distributed to all primary schools and the National Philipsburg Jubilee Library. The Butterfly Book stories were written by children in the Caribbean who participated in the Rotary Literacy Story Competition.
"We often take for granted that children will learn to read and further, that they have all the required material at school", said Rotary Club of St. Maarten President Maria Buncamper-Molanus. She continued, "With this great group of volunteers, called Rotarians, and a seriously involved corporate sponsor, our club has been able to join forces with CIBC First Caribbean to double the distribution efforts and provide additional reading material to our primary school children. This effort is extra-special because the books are Caribbean productions. In the case of the Lizzy Lizard book, there are recognizable iconic locations, such as the University of Sint Maarten, the Court House and many more. Congratulations to author Robin Boasman, I hope this is just the beginning of many books to come. I would also like to personally thank Rotarians, Marc Groenveld, Jim Ferris, Fred van de Peijl and Geeta Khatnani for their participation in the presentation".
Mrs. Buncamper concluded, "Reading enables us to further our education and make a myriad of improvements, including economic opportunity. The Rotary Club of St. Maarten is proud to be part of the efforts of Rotary International, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn to read".
For more information about the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.rotarysxm.org.
