NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (May, 10, 2016) — Premier of Nevis and Minister of Education Hon. Vance Amory, thanked Brenda and John Scanelli and the Bless the Children Group from Virginia, USA, for their gift of an assortment of education materials and furniture for use at schools on Nevis.

 

In a brief handing over ceremony at the Department of Education on May 06, 2016, Mr. Amory assured the donors that the gift would be used in the advancement of education for the children of the island and to deliver the best quality of education that can be offered.

 

He also thanked all those who assisted in sourcing, packaging and delivering the gift to the Department of Education and thanked those who assisted them.

 

Mr. Amory also used the opportunity to urge the people of Nevis and St. Kitts to continue to offer prayers for the continued recovery of Mr. Scanelli who had undergone critical medical care, especially as they continue to assist the island.

 

Meantime, Mathematics Coordinator in Nevis Ms. Sylvia Fahie, who represented the Scanellis, stated that Mr. Scanelli fell ill and his friends and family stepped in to assist in sorting and preparing the items for shipment. However, after a successful heart transplant he is recovering satisfactorily.

 

Fahie said the Scanellis appreciate all their friends and associates in the Federation, who kept John in their prayers and they are convinced, that his renewed life is directly related to the support received.

 

The Mathematics Coordinator said the gift is made up of Math and Science teaching resources and manipulatives, language arts materials, audio-visual aids, school furnishings and supplies for the Cecele Browne Integrated School.

 

She said the Scanellis have willingly partnered with Nevis for several years, particularly in the subject Mathematics and expressed their hope that the gift would aid in the development and progress of the children of Nevis.

 

She explained that the Scanellis are desirous of assisting teachers in preparing students for meeting the challenges of the 21st century, by creating a learning environment in which students are stimulated and encouraged to reach their greatest potential.

 

Fahie registered the donors’ gratitude to Tropical Shipping, who assisted with the ocean portion of the freight and thanked them for their support in educating the youth.

 

She also used the opportunity to announce that the donors are pleased with their collaboration with teachers, Maths Coordinators and Dominion University in Virginia during the past two years on a professional development project.

 

However, she said their website is ready and available to be used as a resource and reference on using Maths manipulatives in the classroom and they are urging parents to access the website to assist their children as much as they can.

 

Also present were Principal Education Officer Palsy Wilkin who chaired the ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Wakely Daniel, Assistant Secretary Kevin Barrett and Education Officers.