UCCI Celebrates International Literacy Day with Visits to Primary Schools

Part of the University College’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) marked International Literacy Day (September 8, 2025) with special outreach visits to two local primary schools.

Teams of UCCI faculty, administrators, and student visited Sir John A. Cumber Primary School in West Bay and Red Bay Primary School in George Town, bringing along primary-level books from their own shelves and drawing on classroom collections to share stories with students.

In both schools, children were introduced to the meaning of International Literacy Day and encouraged, under this year’s theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” to embrace reading as a powerful tool for knowledge, creativity, and growth. The importance of prioritizing books over excessive screen time was highlighted, with students reminded that reading not only strengthens writing and listening skills but also builds confidence and imagination.

At Sir John A. Cumber Primary, each reading session ended with enthusiastic chants of “Readers are Leaders!”—a motto that underscored the day’s message of empowerment through literacy.

Reflecting on the initiative, UCCI representatives shared that while the event was designed to inspire students, it also left the visiting team inspired by the energy, curiosity, and potential of Cayman’s young learners.

This outreach forms part of UCCI’s ongoing golden jubilee celebrations, which will include an ecumenical service on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Sir Vassel Johnson Hall, UCCI.

For more information on UCCI’s 50th anniversary events, please contact tdeasey@ucci.edu.ky .