US Representatives Barbara Lee (L) and Robin Kelly (R) join Vauxhall Elementary School principal Donna Franklin in the donation.
To celebrate World Book and Copyright Day 2022, the U.S. Embassy donated copies of the book Bim’s Journey as well as STEM-themed children’s titles in seven primary schools in Barbados. US Congressional Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Robin Kelly (D-IL) took part in one of the donations to Vauxhall Elementary School. They were joined by US Ambassador to Barbados Linda Taglialatela. Congresswoman Lee, who was mentored by a former Vauxhall Elementary School student, US Representative Shirley Chisolm, enjoyed learning about the school’s connection to the late congresswoman. Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress, and 2022 marks the 50and anniversary of his historic campaign for the presidency of the United States. She attended Vauxhall Primary School in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Speaking at the donation ceremony, Ambassador Taglialatela praised the school’s role in the education of Congresswoman Chisholm, saying, “Inspired by her teachers here at Vauxhall, Ms. Chisholm was an educator before and after serving seven terms in the US Congress. . Barbados and the United States also share the common value of educational opportunities for our children as future leaders of their communities.
The six additional schools will receive book donations from the U.S. Embassy, including St. Joseph Elementary School, West Terrace Elementary School, Mount Tabor Elementary School, Holy Innocents Elementary School, Blackman & Gollop Elementary School and Bay Elementary School. Donations continue until May 6. World Book and Copyright Day is observed on April 23 every year to highlight the power of books to promote inclusive and open societies and to fight inequality and misinformation.