Barbados is Blooming Phase 2 completed with installation of Free Little Library at Mount Tabor Primary

Twenty-five ‘Free Little Libraries’ have now been established at schools across Barbados, as part of an expansive literacy drive.

 

The Ministry of Educational Transformation celebrated the installation of the 25th Free Little Library at Mount Tabor Primary School on Monday, marking the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Barbados is Blooming project — an island-wide literacy and youth empowerment initiative led by the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation Caribbean Inc. (PGDFF) in partnership with the Massy Foundation (Barbados) Inc.

 

The Free Little Libraries initiative, which began in October 2024, has placed book-sharing hubs at primary schools, children’s homes, and community centres across the island. With Monday’s installation, children in St John and surrounding communities now have increased access to books and reading tools, furthering the mission shared by PGDFF and the Massy Foundation to make reading accessible, enjoyable, and part of daily life for every child in Barbados.

 

In her remarks, Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw shared that “Research consistently shows that children who can read for pleasure are more engaged learners, performing better academically and developing stronger language skills. Reading for pleasure also encourages children to engage with the text in a way that ignites their imagination and curiosity. A major pillar of our national literacy programme is parent, community and stakeholder engagement. As this ministry continues its national effort to improve literacy in reading outcomes for every child in Barbados, it is recognised that an effective literacy programme extends beyond the walls of our schools and must be a whole country responsibility.”

 

The education chief commended both organisations for their vision and alignment with the ministry’s national literacy goals and one of its most ambitious and transformative targets — ensuring that every child can read by age seven.

 

PGDFF Managing Director Anita Sundaram described the milestone as both joyful and deeply meaningful.

 

“Today we complete the 25th Free Little Library, but more importantly, we continue the work of planting seeds of curiosity, imagination, and opportunity,” she said. “Every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading, and these libraries ensure that books are always within reach — whether at school, in a community, or on the walk home.”

 

Massy Foundation Director Jared Wright praised the partnership and the island-wide impact of the project.

 

“With every Little Library we’ve installed, we’ve seen children gravitate towards books with excitement and pride. This project is more than a donation — it’s an investment in stronger communities, stronger families, and a stronger Barbados. We are honoured to partner with PGDFF to ensure that more children have free, equitable access to books and learning resources.”

 

The Barbados is Blooming Phase 2 project has positively impacted thousands of children and families through:

• 25 Free Little Libraries installed island-wide;
• Creating literacy-building opportunities;
• Providing inclusive education support programmes; and
• Promoting hands-on skills initiatives such as the Farm-to-Table agricultural programme at the Ann Hill Special Needs School.

 

The partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to creating spaces where children can discover stories, strengthen their literacy, and unlock their potential.

(BGIS/MET/PR)