On the annual observation of Read Across Jamaica Day, the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) brought its corporate social responsibility commitment to life by sending a team of trained volunteers to two local educational institutions: St Jude’s Primary School and Mona High School. The initiative was rooted in a clear mission: to ignite a lifelong passion for reading among young Jamaicans, open young minds to new ideas, and help students understand how continuous learning can unlock personal and professional opportunities long into the future.
During their time on both campuses, DBJ volunteers stepped out of their usual professional roles to join students directly in classroom-based literacy activities. Rather than sticking to passive reading, they led dynamic, interactive sessions that encouraged students to ask questions, participate in discussions about story themes, and connect the texts they explored to their own lives. Volunteers read aloud to groups of students, modeling expressive reading and helping younger learners build fluency, while also facilitating peer-to-peer reading activities that boosted student confidence.
Beyond interactive engagement with the student body, DBJ made tangible contributions to support long-term literacy development at both schools. The institution donated new reading materials and learning resources to the schools’ existing library hubs, expanding the collections available to students and strengthening the capacity of the schools’ resource centers to support teaching and independent reading.
Charlene Wong, DBJ’s Manager of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, framed the event as a core investment in Jamaica’s future, noting that “Today’s readers are tomorrow’s business owners, innovators, and leaders.” She expanded on this perspective, explaining that literacy development extends far beyond basic reading and writing skills. Reading fosters creativity, builds self-assurance, sharpens critical reasoning abilities, and hones strong communication skills—all foundational competencies that will empower the next generation to build successful careers and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Wong reaffirmed DBJ’s long-standing dedication to supporting community initiatives that invest in Jamaican human capital, aligning this literacy outreach with the bank’s broader mission of driving inclusive, long-term economic growth across the island. By investing in young people’s literacy today, the bank is laying the groundwork for a more skilled, innovative, and prosperous Jamaica tomorrow.