A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies |23 July 2019

A souvenir photograph to mark the occasion

Renaissance Learning offers technology based educational programmes for primary school students. These programmes are designed to assess, monitor, supplement, and enhance traditional classroom activities and lessons. Additionally, Renaissance Learning offers professional development opportunities making it easier for teachers to implement the programmes into their classroom.

The programme which began its pilot study in May came to a conclusion yesterday with an award ceremony which took place at the STC conference room in Victoria in the presence of the Minister for Education and Human Resource, Jeanne Simeon; principal secretary for primary and secondary education Dr Odile De Commarmond; the Renaissance Learning team comprising Vice-President Peter Shneider, education specialist Margaret Allen and project manager Jessany Hunter as well as the participating schools. The award was to reward the five schools which participated in the programme.

The trial took place at P2 and P4 levels in five primary schools selected based on their size, staffing situation, resources, internet access, results and strategic focus. They are Takamaka, Bel Ombre, Plaisance, Baie Ste Anne and Anse Etoile primary schools.

As part of the programme to boost interest in reading, pupils were able to access a large variety of some 6,000 interactive books online based on their choice and interest while teachers has access to a wide variety of teaching resources and tools.

“Some people say that literacy is a bridge from disparity to hope, every school on board has shown momentum as this is just the beginning and has expended more to just reading,” said Mr Schneider.

“We are humble as we walk hand in hand with Seychelles as we begin the journey as we prepare together for the future of this great nation to begin their journey excelling in the world of tomorrow,” added Mr Schneider.

On her part the principal secretary for primary and secondary education said: “Renaissance programme is implemented in 52,000 school worldwide, the pilot project has been an existing experience for us.”

Dr de Commarmond also thanked the renaissance team for running the pilot programme for free in Seychelles and she added that the children rewarded today will inspire future students to take part in the programme.

“We sincerely hope that we can roll out the renaissance programme in all of our schools in 2020,” Dr De Commarmond added.

In the six weeks that the pilot programme was conducted a total of 7882 books was read between the five schools with students spending combined average of 48,618 minutes reading and a total of 40,111,715 words read.

All children who took part in the programme took home a certificate as well as books and school supplies. Thymani Lesperance, llana Jean-Baptiste and Romeo Joshua took home the award for best pupils and most books read.