For 15 years, the Rotary Club of St. Andrew has supported early childhood education at Curlin Johnson Early Childhood Development Centre, demonstrating the lasting impact of sustained community partnerships.
On September 8, 2026, in observance of International Literacy Day, members of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew visited Curlin Johnson Early Childhood Development Centre for an interactive literacy engagement to encourage a love of reading, learning, and creativity among young children.
The initiative brought together Rotarians, students, and educators for a morning of storytelling, educational activities, and meaningful interaction, reinforcing the importance of building strong literacy foundations in the early years of childhood development.
As part of the initiative, Club members personally contributed approximately 64 educational items, including 39 learning charts, 20 reading and colouring books, five sets of letter cards and crayons.
The donated materials were selected to support letter recognition, reading, visual learning and creative expression, while providing teachers with additional resources to enhance classroom instruction.
More than 20 students participated in the day's activities, engaging with Rotarians through interactive storytelling and discussions designed to make learning both enjoyable and rewarding.
Club President Stacy-Ann Davis participated in the literacy sessions, engaging directly with the children and demonstrating Rotary's commitment to hands-on community service.
The initiative was particularly meaningful because Club members personally contributed educational materials and financial support to make the activity possible.
A Partnership Spanning 15 Years
The Club's relationship with Curlin Johnson Early Childhood Development Centre extends well beyond this year's International Literacy Day observance.
The partnership began in 2011 under the leadership of then Club President, now Past Assistant Governor Judy Hylton, when the Rotary Club of St. Andrew adopted several schools in underserved communities as part of its commitment to education and youth development.
At the time, Curlin Johnson was working towards meeting standards established by Jamaica's Early Childhood Commission. Recognising the Centre's needs, the Club undertook several significant interventions, including constructing a resource room equipped with computers and refurbishing the school's playground.
Over the years, the relationship has continued through book drives, literacy activities, a spelling bee competition, the construction of an educational display wall and Christmas treats for the children.
The 2026 International Literacy Day initiative represents another chapter in this longstanding partnership, reflecting the Club's belief that meaningful community development requires consistency, collaboration and sustained investment.
Supporting Education and Sustainable Development
The initiative aligns with Basic Education and Literacy, one of Rotary's seven Areas of Focus, which recognises education as a critical foundation for individual opportunity and community development.
It also supports Jamaica's Vision 2030 National Development Plan, particularly the goal of empowering Jamaicans to achieve their fullest potential through access to quality education and training.
At the international level, the initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
By providing practical learning resources and maintaining a strong relationship with the Centre, the Rotary Club of St. Andrew continues to demonstrate how community organisations can contribute to broader national and global development priorities.
While International Literacy Day highlights the importance of reading and education, the Club's commitment to Curlin Johnson reflects a broader approach to service.
The donated educational materials will continue to benefit students and teachers beyond the day's activities, while the Club's longstanding relationship with the Centre creates opportunities for future collaboration and support.
Through initiatives like these, the Rotary Club of St. Andrew continues to put Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, into action, investing in young minds and helping build stronger foundations for future generations.
As the Club builds on its legacy of service, its partnership with Curlin Johnson Early Childhood Development Centre remains a testament to the difference that sustained community engagement can make.
Together, we continue to create hope, inspire learning and make a lasting difference—one child, one book and one community at a time.