Read Across Jamaica Foundation (RAJ) and Grow Youth Universal (GYU) will combine resources during National Education Week, May 6-11, 2012 in Jamaica to enhance their educational offering which has been consistent in supporting the endless fight against literacy.

During Education Week, the team will visit schools island wide (St Catherine, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, St Mary and st Ann) as part of the Read Across Jamaica Bus tour. During their stops, they will read, recite and encourage students to better understand and appreciate family, diversity and global community needs through the education and entertainment that reading provides.

The collaboration is a win-win for both organizations. Read Across Jamaica and Grow Youth Universal are vanguards of supplemental/alternative education. RAJ’s mission is to introduce creative and interactive methods of reading that encourage children to enjoy literature. GYU infuses poetry, music, movement and visual arts as a means of therapy and communication. Together, they will have an impact beyond the theme “Education is the key”.

“What we are doing is something that is necessary. It is an honor to work with RAJ on this endeavor. We will dedicate our time and effort to initiate the education revolution needed to propel Jamaica to the forefront of civic expectation in this 21st century.” Sister Carole, also known as Jahmekka Green, co-founder of GYU stated at their kickoff meeting.

GYI, a group of multimedia artists from highgate, St Mary, are devoted to the growth of youth worldwide. Their moto, “Education of TheYouth is the surest guarantee for a better life” motivates them in building self-awareness, esteem and confidence that make learning fun. The organization teaches traditional and non-traditional drumming, dance, music interpretation, creative songwriting and drama in after-school programmes.

Since 2004, RAJ Literacy Project has served over 24,000 students and provided over 50,000 books and educational supplies to children and schools across Jamaica. Read Across Jamaica is one of the more effective literacy programs introduced in Jamaica since 2004 serving students and teachers across the island.