Barbados has reached a significant milestone in its nationwide literacy initiative with the successful establishment of 25 Free Little Libraries across the island. The final installation at Mount Tabor Primary School on Monday marked the completion of Phase 2 of the Barbados is Blooming project, a collaborative effort led by the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation Caribbean Inc. (PGDFF) and the Massy Foundation (Barbados) Inc. Launched in October 2024, the initiative has strategically placed book-sharing hubs in primary schools, children’s homes, and community centers, ensuring equitable access to reading materials for children in St John and surrounding areas. Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, Chief Education Officer, emphasized the transformative power of reading for pleasure, noting its role in fostering academic success, language development, and imaginative thinking. She highlighted the importance of community and stakeholder engagement in achieving national literacy goals, particularly the ambitious target of ensuring every child can read by age seven. Anita Sundaram, Managing Director of PGDFF, described the project as a meaningful step toward nurturing curiosity and opportunity for children, while Jared Wright of the Massy Foundation praised its broader impact on families and communities. Beyond the libraries, the initiative has supported inclusive education programs and hands-on skills development, such as the Farm-to-Table agricultural program at Ann Hill Special Needs School. The partners reaffirmed their commitment to creating spaces where children can explore stories, enhance literacy, and unlock their full potential.
Barbados is Blooming Phase 2 completed with installation of Free Little Library at Mount Tabor Primary
