Our Impact
Since its 2012 inception, LIFE has subscribed to the transformative power of literacy to help overcome the Cayman Islands’ social, cultural, and economic barriers which prevent equal access to quality education for all. Through our three pillars, Education, Advocacy, and Community Outreach, we work with public and private sectors to ensure that literacy is for everyone. To date we have now given away over 100,000 books.
At School
LIFE continues to work closely with schools and early childhood centres across the Cayman Islands to implement a variety of programmes and initiatives which assist in creating stronger literacy outcomes for students of all ages. The Paired Reading programme which operates weekly on Grand Cayman, is staffed by volunteers who each lend 30 minutes of their time to provide students with one-to-one reading support. As part of the programme structure, LIFE offers volunteers basic training in effective reading support strategies to ensure maximum benefit for students. As well as offering their time, LIFE offers their resources and is the largest donor of books to the Cayman public-school system. These donations help schools in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac create stimulating and appropriately levelled classroom libraries. A supportive literacy environment in the classroom, from preschool years and up promotes greater reading achievement and comprehension as well as improved attitudes towards reading and writing.
PRESS RELEASE- LIFE reaches 100,000th book donated in Cayman
At Home
A child’s journey with literacy begins at home, where parents play a powerful role in shaping early learning. Research shows that a parent’s experience with the education system can strongly influence a child’s academic success, often even more than factors like family income, highlighting the incredible impact families can have in fostering a love for reading and learning from the very beginning. LIFE is committed to breaking the cycle of low literacy and investing in solutions which encourage parental involvement in Cayman’s youth education. Our parent engagement workshops allow parents, children and teachers to work together on developing essential early literacy skills. A collaborative effort between home and school is an important part of raising standards across the Islands.
In the Community
Advocating for raising the Island’s education standards begins with dismantling the social and economic barriers which hinder access to quality education for all. Through LIFE's work in the community we actively address the challenges currently presenting in Cayman’s education system. One way we do this is by facilitating the disbursement of funds and resources received to where they are most needed.
We also participate in a variety of community-driven events including SMART START and Week of the Young Child, and we supply books to the HSA Pediatric Clinic and General Practice Clinic waiting rooms.
Help us strengthen our community.
When we improve the literacy gap, we strengthen families and our community. Donate today to support our programmes in schools, homes and the larger community.
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