On the annual observance of Read Across Jamaica Day, a Jamaican basic school received a special visit that left young learners grinning from ear to ear. Mark Berman, Canada’s sitting High Commissioner to Jamaica, traveled to Jamaica House Basic School to take part in a community-focused reading session aimed at boosting early literacy engagement across the island.
During the interactive event, Berman did not simply lead a silent reading activity—instead, he read stories aloud to the gathered students, stopping regularly to ask questions, invite discussion, and draw shy learners into the fun. Throughout the session, he repeatedly emphasized the transformative power of building strong reading skills during early childhood, noting that a solid literacy foundation opens doors to lifelong academic and professional opportunity. Beyond encouraging participation, Berman also worked to nurture a lasting, personal love of books among the students, framing reading not as a mandatory school task but as an exciting lifelong adventure.
The visit was not limited to group activities and discussion. To leave a tangible, long-lasting impact on the school’s literacy programs, Berman presented a donation of hundreds of new storybooks covering a range of topics and reading levels, alongside essential classroom school supplies that will support daily learning for students and teachers alike. School administrators noted that the donation will fill critical gaps in the school’s library collection, giving students more options to explore new interests and practice their reading skills outside of structured lessons.
The event aligns with ongoing literacy promotion efforts across Jamaica, which aim to reduce early childhood literacy gaps and ensure all young learners have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. For the students of Jamaica House Basic School, the day offered both a memorable interactive experience and a lasting boost to their learning environment, wrapping up with groups of happy students posing with their new books and the visiting commissioner.