Educators meet in circles to reflect on the day’s events.
In July, Literacy Educators As Partners (LEAP) concluded its highly successful second annual Summer Reading Workshop in Linden, Guyana, a one-week initiative designed to enhance literacy skills and foster a love for reading among young learners. This year, the workshop attracted over 50 children from the Amelia’s Ward area.
The Summer Reading Workshop 2025 aimed to improve reading comprehension and vocabulary skills while encouraging critical thinking through research-based strategies, skill-building workshops, and creative activities. Held for five hours each day, this interactive program provided participants with a comprehensive educational experience designed to empower them as lifelong readers and thinkers.
A Transformative Approach to Literacy Education
One of the primary goals of the workshop was to bridge the gaps in literacy education often created by rote learning methods and passive reception of information. In place of these outdated approaches, the Summer Reading Workshop introduced a transformative model, focusing on literacy practices that empower students to think critically, engage creatively, and develop a genuine love for reading.
This initiative wasn’t only for students. Teachers in attendance were equipped with new skills and competencies through professional development, ensuring that the impact of the workshop would extend beyond the week-long event. Teachers will take these transformative strategies back to their classrooms and school communities, inspiring future generations of learners to engage with reading in meaningful ways.
Building a Strong Foundation for Success
Every participant in the Summer Reading Workshop 2025 received a backpack filled with school supplies, along with daily snacks to ensure they were prepared and motivated for active participation. This support ensures that each child is set up for success as they approach the upcoming school term. These resources, alongside the engaging activities, created an environment where young learners felt safe, nurtured, and inspired to expand their reading horizons.
Additionally, the workshop’s approach mirrored the Ministry of Education’s mission to foster a literate and empowered society in Guyana, aligning with national educational goals and contributing to the sustainable growth and development of the country.
Beyond the Workshop: LEAP’s Ongoing Impact
LEAP is a group of dedicated educators with shared roots in Linden, Guyana, and a passion for both education and community development. Since its inception in 2014, LEAP has focused on a variety of initiatives aimed at improving literacy in Linden, such as:
- Teacher Training Workshops: Equipping educators with research-based techniques and resources to enhance classroom instruction.
- Book Donations: Expanding access to diverse and enriching reading materials for students.
- School Supplies Donations: Ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed in school.
- Reading Workshops: Creating opportunities for young learners to develop a love for reading and to enhance their literacy skills.
Encouraged by the success of these initiatives, LEAP’s founding members are now working towards formally registering the organization as a nongovernmental organization (NGO). This will allow LEAP to scale its programs, reach more children, and continue transforming literacy education in Linden and beyond.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
The success of the Summer Reading Workshop 2025 would not have been possible without the generous support of numerous individuals and organizations. Special thanks go out to:
Lindiwi Benjamin, Collis Augustine, Petal Davis, Hyacinth Gibbs, Keith Manifold, Aretha Cameron, Gina Louis, Marcelle Goodchild, Jennifer Cusick, Dylan Singh, Stay Allen, Naudia Pellew, Louise Mac Cloud, Dr. Lequita Pryce-Tappin, Virgil Estwick, Arlene Gravesande, Chaka Langevine Casey, Morris McKinnon, Elizabeth Conde, Dionne Leonard, James Burke, Nathan Larsen, Daniel Vitali, Brian McCormack, Yani Santana, Daniel Filipak, Peter Maiwald, Keith Walcott, Valerie Smith, Lin-Jay Harry-Voglezon, Olivia Belgrave, Dr. Gillian Richards-Greaves, Shaundell Blege, Jeffrey Gill, and Orin Charles.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the anonymous donors, who contributed $200, $140, and $50 to the cause, and to the management and staff of e-Magic Inc, the principal and staff of Lyons Community School in Brooklyn, NY, Dr Robin Pestano, and several local leaders and volunteers. These include: Mayor of Linden, Sharma Solomon, Regional Chairman #10, Deron Adams, Regional Councillor, Wainwright Bethune, Jenelle Grant, Sephra Ebron, Kerensa Kitt, Jedidah Wilkinson, Rueshell Noble, Andre Walker, Roxanne Noble, Pastor Stanley Haynes, Jeneisa Massiah, Latoya McPhoy Allicock, Odetta James, Shelisa Mason, and Nicola Green.
Looking Forward
As Literacy Educators As Partners moves forward, the Summer Reading Workshop 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated educators and community members come together with a shared purpose. It truly takes a village. We look forward to the village coming together again in 2026 to continue this mission.
Let’s also come together as a village to support Shamari Cyrus. Shamari is an aspiring lawyer with a dream to make a significant impact in the legal field. A graduate of the University of Guyana with an LLB degree, Shamari’s journey to becoming a practising attorney is one step closer as she has been accepted into the prestigious Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago. However, like many pursuing higher education, the financial burden of completing this final stage of her legal education presents a significant challenge. Coming from a single-parent home, Shamari faces difficulty in covering the high costs associated with law school. But with determination, passion, and the support of her community, she is ready to push forward on her path to success.
This is an opportunity for us to contribute to the growth and development of a deserving member of the Linden community. By supporting Shamari, we are not just helping an individual; we are investing in the future of our legal system and society. Shamari’s success will not only empower her but will also inspire others in Linden and beyond to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Let’s make a difference in Shamari’s life and contribute to the future of our community. Click on the link to contribute to Shamari’s GoFundMe campaign and help her take the next step toward becoming the attorney she aspires to be.
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