About Us
History
Grenada Alumni Initiative originated in 2015 to promote educational and mentorship programs for students across Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique. The 2015 Alumni Reunion brought together classmates during a week-long celebration in Grenada. The "READ ACROSS PROGRAM" implemented during the reunion continues as an annual event in collaboration with the Grenada Ministry of Education. The Program includes reading initiatives across elementary schools, along with distribution of books to school libraries, community centers and, most importantly, to students for personal ownership. Mission: share the Joy of Reading and develop readers, thinkers and leaders.
"The More You Read, The More You Know"
Goal
To establish a reading culture in the communities where our children live and learn; and promote the value of long-term access to books through personal ownership, school libraries and local centers.
FREE Virtual Reading Programs
Virtual reading programs, like READCamp, are offered to students in Grades Pre-K to 8, through a partnership with Read With Malcolm/Share the Magic Foundation. Register for ongoing programs https://www.readwithmalcolm.com/
Each program is FREE and fun, with global reading competition, like READBowl, where PreK - 8 aged teams compete to read for the most minutes.
Read Across Program / Book Ownership
Grenada Alumni Initiative group is the largest distributor of free books to Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique. Over 80,000 free leisure books provided, which are in the hands of children who previously did not own books at home; and are also on school library shelves and in community centers.
Vision
Introduce young readers to book ownership by creating a steady flow of age-appropriate books to homes and help transform their lives through literacy. Also, create local community libraries / literacy facilities to provide increased access to reading materials.
Future Plans
Digital literacy facility as a space that includes books, computers, internet connectivity, printers and learning experiences for elementary-aged children in local communities.
Upcoming event
READ ACROSS DAY: Thursday JUNE 26, 2025
The largest single-day celebration of literacy across all 56 public elementary schools in Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique. Encouraging children to read to a better future by sharing the joy of reading and providing books for personal ownership.
Be a Volunteer Reader
Join the Grenada Alumni Initiative committee as a volunteer reader for Read Across Day events at various Primary Schools - send a message on our Facebook page.
FREE Virtual Programs
Register your students for a fun way to defeat the slide in reading when they are home on extended breaks from school.. https://www.readwithmalcolm.com/readcamp/
1st INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL READING event
VIRTUAL READING EVENT A BIG SUCCESS
The first international virtual reading rally was hosted through a collaboration between Read with Malcolm - Share the Magic Foundation and the Grenada Alumni Initiative group. Malcolm Mitchell, Founder and CEO of the Foundation read his book, The Magician’s Hat, to students at the St. Paul’s Government Model School.
Each of the 297 students took home their personal copy of the book. This event took place on Read Across Day for primary school students throughout Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique.
Thank you to the Ministry of Education Grenada for ongoing partnership; and to Minister Hon. Philip Telesford, who joined us at the school. To every Volunteer Reader who visited schools to read with students, we thank you.
Share the Joy of Reading
objective
Our Objective is to inspire Children to actively engage in reading and help develop a Nation of lifelong readers, placing our younger generation on the road to successful participation in the global community and economy. We create the opportunity, through Book Ownership, for students to develop a love of Reading.
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
Read Across Event-Local School
Read Across Event-Local School
Read Across Event-Local School
READ ACROSS GRENADA, CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE
largest single day celebration of reading to share the Joy of Reading and help change lives of children through Literacy
Free Books Distributed
Read Across Event-Local School
Read Across Event-Local School
Grenada Alumni Initiative has distributed over 80,000 free books to students, school libraries and community groups
Year 1: 3,500
Year 2: 12,000
Year 3: 35,000
Year 4: 30,000
Year 5: 25,000
READCamp Registration
Read Across Event-Local School
READCamp Registration
FREE VIRTUAL READING PROGRAMS provided to students in Grades Pre-K to 8 through an ongoing partnership with
Share the Magic Foundation / Read With Malcolm
https://www.readwithmalcolm.com/
Book Partner
READCamp Registration
HONORED TO BE RECEIPIENT
BETTER WORLD BOOKS
Thanks to BWB's customers, literacy and library partners for making such a difference from their purchases and partnerships
Press Release
2019 READ ACROSS DAY PRESS RELEASE
https://www.nowgrenada.com/2019/06/today-is-read-across-grenada-carriacou-petite-martinique-day/
Amazon Wish List
YOU CAN HELP -- PROVIDE BOOKS TO STUDENTS FOR PERSONAL OWNERSHIP
VISIT OUR AMAZON BOOK WISH LIST
by clicking on link below https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2WLD674RHXYJ6
Local Community Libraries
LIBRARY PROJECT
Our Committee will be working with community leaders to establish libraries to meet the needs of children for information, development, recreation and leisure
Sponsors
PAS CARGO USA, INC
GRENADA GENERAL INSURANCE
FRANCIS CUSTOM & SHIPPINGREPUBLIC BANK GRENADA LTD
CENTURY21 REAL ESTATE
NETHERLANDS INSURANCE.
BERNIE'S PARTYLAND
CARIBBEAN INT'L SHIPPING
Sponsors
Sponsors
ST. GEORGE'S UNIVERSITY (SGU)
L I M E (FLOW) GRENADA
AFRICA'S CHILDREN FUND
BOOKS FOR AFRICA - ATLANTA
SPECTOR & CO
GDA PUBLIC SVCE CREDIT UNION
GRENADA CO-OPERATIVE BANK
ADVANTAGE ROOFING
2017 PRESS RELEASE
GRENADA ALUMNI INITIATIVE - June 26, 2017
READ ACROSS GRENADA, CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE DAY
On Friday, June 30, 2017, under the banner “Oh, the Places You Will Go . . . We Will Go Together,” the Grenada Alumni Committee, in partnership with the Grenada Ministry of Education and its school principals will once again bring READ ACROSS DAY to primary schools across the island nation of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. This milestone marks the third year of the Grenada Alumni Committee’s initiative and hosting of the single-day celebration of collaborative and dynamic reading exercises across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
The 2017 theme — Oh, the Places You Will Go . . . We Will Go Together — is certainly a fitting one. What began in 2015 with 1,120 students has grown in 2017 into an annual event where each student at all 56 primary schools can participate in the day’s reading and literacy events and activities, and also receive a book or two of their choice to call their own, to take home. Yes! The Grenada Alumni Committee, chaired by Pat Adams-Nicholson and Frances Purcell, is also providing over 30,000 leisure books to students, to school libraries, to the Grenada Community Library & Resource Center, and to the Grenada Reading Association. Yes!
For the Alumni Committee, our mission is to inspire children and young adults to engage by reading with storytellers; and to engage by storytelling with each other. Education, comprehension, analysis and imagination will undoubtedly lead to a nation of lifelong readers, and set our younger generation on a path for successful participation in the global community and economy. READ ACROSS DAY for primary school students and PAVING A PATH FORWARD MENTORSHIP for secondary school students, are the two educational initiatives that were advanced by the Alumni Committee during the 2015 combined secondary schools reunion in Grenada. The Committee ensured they kept their commitment to move these initiatives forward by sourcing support across the Diaspora and in Grenada.
The Alumni Committee relies on, and is grateful for, financial contributions from those Grenada-based companies that have dedicated their management teams to fully support the initiatives. All around, our goals are in harmony: Inspire young readers! Expand their horizon! Enrich their imagination! Foster dialogue and communication! Residents, especially parents, can participate as v0lunteer readers by joining principals, teachers and Grenadian authors to share the joy of reading with students. READ ACROSS DAY will begin at 10:00 a.m. at primary schools. If you are interested in participating, you are certainly most welcome! Please contact, in advance, the principal of the school at which you would like to participate so that you can attend the event as our guest and supporter.
The Alumni Committee takes this opportunity to thank sponsors, the Ministry of Education and principals for the support provided. Pat Adams-Nicholson also extends her gratitude, on behalf of the Committee, to “Books for Africa,” an Atlanta, Georgia based nonprofit organization that generously opened their book collection to make 2017 Read Across Day a success. The organization’s program managers worked alongside Committee volunteers living in the Atlanta area, to pack and label boxes for shipment to Grenada. The Committee also thanks each of you and asks for your ongoing support.
Oh, the Places You Will Go . . . We Will Go Together! The more we read, the more we will know. The more we learn, the more we will share. The more we imagine, the further we will go. “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”
2016 Read ACROSS EVENT
GRENADA ALUMNI INITIATIVE
The READ ACROSS GRENADA, CARRIACOU & PETITE MARTINIQUE DAY was held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 - in the local communities across Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique. Books, Educational Materials, and School Supplies were distributed directly in the communities at 13 different locations. Thank you to the parents for bringing your children out to participate in the 2016 READ ACROSS DAY!!
The "READ ACROSS DAY" - 2016 was another great success! With the focus on Primary School Students - over 12,000 books and 30,000+ supplies (pens/markers, notebooks etc.) were distributed.
Volunteers and Reading Coordinators engaged students in various reading workshops and educational activities; and assisted with the Distribution of Books, Book Bags and School Supplies.
Thank you to EVERYONE who assisted by purchasing books for students from the the Wish List on Amazon.com http://amzn.com/w/2WLD674RHXYJ6
And a BIG Thank You to all the Volunteer Readers - the Students also THANK YOU!
JOIN THE INITIATIVE TO PUT BOOKS IN THE HANDS OF CHILDREN; and "Open a World of Possible" by helping them to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning!
Help develop OUR youth by way of "Access, Awareness & Empowerment" and thereby cultivate opportunities for their growth.
2015 combined secondary schools reunion
CONNECT
COLLABORATE
COLLABORATE
Join classmates, friends and family in Grenada! July 30th - August 5th, 2015. We are celebrating the seventies secondary school years with the 1st ever Combined Reunion!
CELEBRATE WITH US! ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!!
Do not have to be 70s graduate to attend!
COLLABORATE
COLLABORATE
COLLABORATE
Promote Interests of Secondary Schools and Friendly Collaboration of Graduates
IT WILL BE A FUN TIME FOR EVERYONE. AND THAT MEANS YOU! OPEN TO ALL WHO WISH TO UNITE IN GRENADA WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
CULTIVATE
COLLABORATE
Participating Schools
Designed to Renew friendships and Reminisce on early school days.
CONNECT with Friends; COLLOBRATE to make a Difference; CULTIVATE Opportunities for Young People!
Participating Schools
Participating Schools
Anglican High School; Berean Christian Academy; Bishop's College; Boca Secondary; Grenada Boys Secondary; Grenville Secondary; MacDonald College; Mt. Rose Secondary; Presentation Brothers College; St. Andrew's Anglican Secondary; St. Charles Lwanga College; St. David's Secondary; St. John's Christian Secondary; St. Joseph's Convent - Grenville; St. Joseph's Convent - St. George; St. Rose Modern Secondary; Wesley College; Westmorland School
About Us
A steering committee, comprised of past students, is planning a combined secondary schools reunion. This event will bring together classmates, friends and family, from 18 secondary schools that existed during the 1970s. We are inviting EVERYONE to attend as this celebration is open to ALL who wish to connect in Grenada with Friends and Family! You do not have to be a graduate from the 70s to attend. The agenda for reunion week promises to 'Promote Interests of Secondary Schools and Friendly Collaboration of Graduates'; while we celebrate and ignite memories, build new ones, inspire youth, create networking opportunities, and embrace a memorable experience.
Steering Committee
Frances Purcell; Pat Adams-Nicholson
Nimrod Ollivierre; Margaret Samuel-Ventour; Michael Ashby; Marise La Grenade-Lashley; Hazel Noel-Peters; Jackie Noel; Jenny Gibbs-Alexander; Yvonne James; Raymond Layne; Kenny 'Twit" Philip; Merrysil Joseph;
Hermie Fraiser-Clyne; Hermelene Thomas; Gerry Hopkin; Michael Vincent;
Denise Romney-Adams; Dawne Buckmire;
Dr. Mary Radix; Anthia Parke; Angela Hurley; Gillian Bristol; Leonard Wharwood (RIP); Andy Phillip; Janice Bullen;
Marvin Blaize; Merle Clark; Adrian Hayes;
Dianne St. John; Dr. Anthony Bridgeman; ;
Estella Charles; Michael Roberts; Michael Mitchell; Justin Campbell; Ignatius Mungo;
Joy James-Mancini; Dr. Julie Du Bois;
Anthea Japal; Colleen DeRiggs; Rachel Pace;
Mary Philbert; Theodore Gordon; Liz Allick
history: 2015 reunion review
THANK YOU
1ST COMBINED REUNION
Dear Registrants,
The Countdown emails are over and we are now in review....The Steering Committee of the Grenada 2015 Alumni Week says a BIG "Thank You" for joining us for a most memorable Reunion event - We CONNECTED with Friends; We COLLABORATED to make a Difference; and We CULTIVATED Opportunities for Young People!!
1ST COMBINED REUNION
1ST COMBINED REUNION
The Combined Secondary Schools Reunion was indeed a Success, and all because of YOU - the registrant; You showed up big for events, bringing friends and family along and ensuring that each function was well attended - Fun; Fun and more Fun. But of course, it was all made possible by the Sponsors - businesses and individuals - who trusted in our committee's vision to deliver this 1st Ever Combined Reunion. You may have a personal favorite day/event - Meet & Greet, Opening Function, Read Across Day, Evening Cruise, Worship Service, Game Day, Beach Day, Historic Tours, 70's Party, Gala Dinner - or just loved it all
OPENING FUNCTION
The 5 Student Presenters at Spice Basket (Opening Function) were so special - and so articulate they brought happy tears to many eyes; and we are proud we made the decision to include them, along with the students in the Mentorship Program, since it shows that we can certainly play a role to help develop them into the future leaders we need. Closing the evening with entertainment by Richardo Keens-Douglas and cultural team had folks beaming! And if you did not stay for the "after show party" you missed a good one with the live Spice Basket Band at the Pavilion.
GAME DAY / HISTORIC TOURS
Then what can be said about the 70s Party? - afros, bellbottoms, dashikis, hot pants and halter tops - a packed dance floor until after 2:00am and folks still wanting to party more! (p.s. someone did grumble that the DJ cut the Marvin Gaye "Let's Get It On" song too short - LOL). On a serious note though, EACH attendee made each activity special in so many ways. The Game Day races, musical chairs, the Prime Minister playing Windball, dancing with Ajamu in the rain (with chairs over our heads), Bishop Darius and Father Leroy officiating the Worship Service (and blessing our gathering), and of course, the unforgettable Historic Sites Tour trek through the rain, mud and grass to visit Hermitage Slave Pen - emotional beyond words - along with the Carib Stone, Diamond Chocolate Factory, and the Douglaston Estate.
Meet & Greet
Evening Cruise
Looking back some more to the Meet & Greet - so much excitement shown as folks were seeing classmates and friends after so many years - And how BEAUTIFUL everyone looked!! The entertainment provided by the 5 Calypsonians and the Ashanti Dancers set the tone for the week; along with the food provided by Valerie Francis. Talking about food - if you did not eat from any of the 3 very large pots of Oil Down at the Game Day...."sorry" is all I will say.....folks could not believe that we were able to provide such a variety of food and more than enough for all......but that shows the kind of planning the Committee put into each event.
Evening Cruise
Evening Cruise
Many of us were reminded of the beauty of Grenada as we sailed on the Rhum Runner Evening Cruise and took in the sights along the coastline - I am not a poet and cannot eloquently put into words - so I will keep it simply as "super awesome" and a special night with everyone smiling and dancing as we docked. More of our country's beauty was enjoyed at the impromptu Grand Anse beach hangout. Some of the pictures posted by attendees on Facebook pages are breathtaking. Those who waited for the food had a feast at the SGU campus (beach location) - thanks to our Grenada Team Lead Dawne Buckmire.
Community Event
Our sense of community came out fully during the Read Across Day with the Primary School Students - this day was not without hiccups but our Committee Members and Volunteer Readers (you know who you are) stepped up BIG to ensure the students were fed and kept engaged in reading activities. We knew this day was going to be our biggest challenge - 14 Host schools with 1,120 students, 7,000+ books/school supplies, and food supplies to move around the country - something that was never done before! We were pushed to the limit with logistics but true human spirit prevailed and each Host School delivered the program.
Gala Dinner
And our closing Celebration Gala Dinner Dance - just elegant - from the cocktail hour to dancing to the live band (thanks to them for specially preparing to bring us 70s music) and DJ, and everything in between. Premier Events Inc. transformed the Trade Centre room into an elegant showpiece - thank you Hazel Bierzynski and Michaele Hercules. Our MC, Shirma Wells, with her signature voice, kept the evening flowing. All the ladies, and the gents, really showed out in their exquisite attires. And having the Prime Minister join us again and deliver supporting remarks - all Priceless! On another special note, our local committee team, fondly known as Team Grenada - the Reunion was successful as a result of your unwavering dedication and hard work - thank you!
Thank You; Until Next Time
Thank You; Until Next Time
Can we do this again? - which decade will step up we ask? 60s; 80s; 90s?
Also, giving a shout-out to the team planning the 100th Celebration of the Anglican High School in 2016 - visit the AHS Past Pupils FB Page for dates and plans - support this event as it will be grand and special!
Our Educational Initiatives, Read Across Day and Mentorship Program, will continue and we will provide continuous information on them. Please plan on being a Mentor.
Frances Purcell, the entire Steering Committee and I wish you All the Very Best!
Be Blessed,
Pat Adams Nicholson