At our General Meeting on 23rd September 2025, we had two guest speakers Alisha Brookes from the Spectrum Support Box and Bethzy Chiang from Biblionef!
Once the meeting started, we went right into the introduction of our Guest Speaker Alisha Brookes from the Spectrum Support Box which was done by
Disaster Chair Grace
The topic was called “Unlocking Potential Through Basic Education and Literacy.”
Guest Speaker Alisha informed us that over 770 million adults lack basic literacy skills and 2/3 of them are women
She also told us that the more we read, the more the mind expands. Literacy is not just about reading words but it’s about reading the World 🌎
Reading can open kids imagination and creativity!
Why Literacy Matters:
- Empowers self confidence and literacy allows people to communicate effectively, make informed decisions and feel capable in daily life
- Fosters Independence, being able to read instructions, understand documents, etc.
- Creates better opportunities, which is strongly linked to higher employability, career growth and personal development
Communities and individuals can make a big difference in literacy from:
- Volunteering for mentorship or tutoring
- Donating books helps school libraries and community reading rooms grow
- Digital literacy workshops can support adults and seniors in using technology effectively
Disaster Chair Grace introduced our second Guest Speaker of the night Bethzy Chiang from Biblionef!
Their first donation to the island was after Hurricane Irma to the Oranje School.
They bring books in various languages and topics pertaining to the country / island.
Their donation of books are all new books (not used).
They have made 360 classrooms in Gambia, and sent 18,000 books in five months.
The first reading festival was in Ghana in 2018
They are fundraising now for trainers to be on the island to train the teachers. And refreshment training to the teachers every year
Then, Service Projects Chair Yvette shared updates on the Ramesh Manek End Polio Now Walkathon which will be held on 25th October 2025!
Tickets will be $20.00 each and will include a tshirt and local breakfast
Spelling Bee Chair Grace spoke to us about our Annual Spelling Bee which will start in November 2025!
Towards the end of the meeting President Esmeralde presented certificates of appreciation to both of the Guest Speakers!
Disaster Chair Grace
The topic was called “Unlocking Potential Through Basic Education and Literacy.”
Guest Speaker Alisha informed us that over 770 million adults lack basic literacy skills and 2/3 of them are women
She also told us that the more we read, the more the mind expands. Literacy is not just about reading words but it’s about reading the World 🌎
Reading can open kids imagination and creativity!
Why Literacy Matters:
- Empowers self confidence and literacy allows people to communicate effectively, make informed decisions and feel capable in daily life
- Fosters Independence, being able to read instructions, understand documents, etc.
- Creates better opportunities, which is strongly linked to higher employability, career growth and personal development
Communities and individuals can make a big difference in literacy from:
- Volunteering for mentorship or tutoring
- Donating books helps school libraries and community reading rooms grow
- Digital literacy workshops can support adults and seniors in using technology effectively
Disaster Chair Grace introduced our second Guest Speaker of the night Bethzy Chiang from Biblionef!
Their first donation to the island was after Hurricane Irma to the Oranje School.
They bring books in various languages and topics pertaining to the country / island.
Their donation of books are all new books (not used).
They have made 360 classrooms in Gambia, and sent 18,000 books in five months.
The first reading festival was in Ghana in 2018
They are fundraising now for trainers to be on the island to train the teachers. And refreshment training to the teachers every year
Then, Service Projects Chair Yvette shared updates on the Ramesh Manek End Polio Now Walkathon which will be held on 25th October 2025!
Tickets will be $20.00 each and will include a tshirt and local breakfast
Spelling Bee Chair Grace spoke to us about our Annual Spelling Bee which will start in November 2025!
Towards the end of the meeting President Esmeralde presented certificates of appreciation to both of the Guest Speakers!
