UNESCO launches information literacy project in Trinidad and Tobago
31-01-2007 (Kingston)
The Trinidad and Tobago National Library and Information Systems Authority, through the support of UNESCO, recently launched a Community Information Literacy Project at the Tunapuna Public Library.
The programmme targets primary school students and community residents within the vicinity of the Library and aims to empower the local community through access to information and knowledge, while improving Information Literacy skills.
Persons of all ages and backgrounds will be taught how to recognize information needs and will be given the opportunity to locate, evaluate and apply information effectively.
According to Debbie Goodman, Public Relations Manager, “The hope is that community residents will be able to make informed choices in their personal, academic and vocational lives. In this way, the Community Information Literacy Skills program will play an important role in making life long learning possible through libraries.”
The project which has three components seeks to combine basic information technology skills with behavioural and social activities.
The ‘Lap Sit’ programme is an early introduction to books for babies 0-2 years and mothers/caregivers. It aims to strengthen the bond between babies and parents through nursery rhymes, songs, finger plays and picture books in a fun-filled environment. Here parents are encouraged to take their children to the library and interact with them in this pre-prepared environment. The ‘Lap Sit’ programme is also complemented by storytelling sessions for children between ages 3-11. The Objectives of the “Story Time” are to encourage and improve reading, grammar, speaking and literacy skills.
Persons of all ages and backgrounds will be taught how to recognize information needs and will be given the opportunity to locate, evaluate and apply information effectively.
According to Debbie Goodman, Public Relations Manager, “The hope is that community residents will be able to make informed choices in their personal, academic and vocational lives. In this way, the Community Information Literacy Skills program will play an important role in making life long learning possible through libraries.”
The project which has three components seeks to combine basic information technology skills with behavioural and social activities.
- Basic Information Literacy Skills
- ‘Lap Sit’ and Storytelling
- Establishment of Information Literacy Clubs
The ‘Lap Sit’ programme is an early introduction to books for babies 0-2 years and mothers/caregivers. It aims to strengthen the bond between babies and parents through nursery rhymes, songs, finger plays and picture books in a fun-filled environment. Here parents are encouraged to take their children to the library and interact with them in this pre-prepared environment. The ‘Lap Sit’ programme is also complemented by storytelling sessions for children between ages 3-11. The Objectives of the “Story Time” are to encourage and improve reading, grammar, speaking and literacy skills.
Related themes/countries
· Trinidad and Tobago
· Information Literacy
· Information and Media Literacy: News Archives 2007
· IFAP: News Archives 2007
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Contact information
-
Contact
- Denyse Gonzales - Director, Public Libraries - NALIS
- Alton Grizzle, UNESCO Office in Kingston
- Isidro Fernandez-Aballi, UNESCO Office in Kingston
- UNESCO
Source
- UNESCO Office for the Caribbean
Field office