Reading Road Trip in Turks and Caicos

Last November when my husband and I went to Sandals Negril, the one Island Routes trip we desperately wanted to take, was the Reading Road Trip by the Sandals Foundation. Unfortunately, we just missed the bus {literally}, and we wouldn’t be there for the next one.

Fast forward a month when my daughter and I stayed at Beaches Negril, we had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Party with the Sandals Foundation, where we gave back to the kids of Jamaica – in a big way. It was a moment in time that I’ll never forget – one which touched my heart and soul so deeply.

When our family headed to Beaches Turks and Caicos this Spring, we took the Reading Road Trip to a local school. Launched in 2011, this voluntourism initiative is aimed at improving literacy, comprehension and vocabulary among students.

Not only is the Reading Road Trip a great chance to leave the resort and spend time with the people of the country, but is also a chance to make a difference and give back to Caribbean communities.

The $20 cost per person to go on the Reading Road Trip is a complete donation to the Sandals Foundation and includes the transportation to and from the school, from the resort. Children up to age 12 can go at no charge yet must be accompanied by an adult.

The local school that we went to in Providenciales is an elementary school. My kids really noticed the difference between this school and theirs here, especially that it was open-air and not one huge enclosed building.

turks and caicos school

We first went into their library and chose a bunch of books to read that day. Instead of bring books with us to Turks and Caicos, we chose to bring bags of school supplies and craft items for the kids and teachers.

turks and caicos school library

Myself, my husband and my oldest took turns reading to 2 classes, first a Kindergarten class and then a Grade 1 class.

reading to school kids at turks and caicos

 

turks and caicos school kids

At one point I even had a lengthy discussion with the teachers, they told me all about the educational system in Turks and Caicos as well as the curriculum. In the Kindergarten room, I spotted many of the same worksheets that my twins were currently working on here in Canada. 

turks and caicos school library

 

turks and caicos school

Once we were done reading and visiting in the classrooms, we joined the kids outside for lunch recess. My kids loved playing at their park, laughing and running with the kids. Instant friends.

turks and caicos school playground

 

turks and caicos school playground

 

turks and caicos school

 

A person sitting on a bench in front of a fence

Going on the Reading Road Trip made me smile from ear to ear, such a great experience. I’m so happy that my kids came with, they learned a lot on this day.

They were very quiet on the ride home, just looking out the window. After thinking for a while they started talking with each other about how great the trip was and how much they want to do it again someday. We’d all love to – it’s a great experience and all for a great cause.

turks and caicos reading program

The Reading Road Trip takes place every Thursday, is available through Island Routes Adventure Tours at the Grand Pineapple, Sandals, and Beaches Resorts – in Jamaica, Antigua, the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Lucia and Exuma in the Bahamas.

You can even donate to the Sandals Foundation online

 

 

70 Comments

  1. Such a wonderful ‘feel good’ post. It is experiences like these that enrich children’s lives. Thank you for the donation link…it looks like a very worth while cause!

  2. What an amazing adventure! Not only is it educational; but I bet the kids loved having you visit and read to them too!

  3. That is lovely! If I ever make it down there, I am definitely signing up to participate in this. Amazing.

    1. You know, that surprised me. What’s $10 when it goes to such a good cause?! Truthfully though, I donated more to the foundation when I got home{3rd time doing so}, I love what they do!

  4. What an unforgettable experience. My husband lived in Jamaica for 2 years and continues to tell me stories about the culture!

  5. What a great way to have fun with your kids while teaching them the value of helping others. I think that’s something that has fallen to the wayside over the years.

  6. I am so excited to learn about this. Thanks for sharing your family’s great experience and how we can help.

  7. What great experience for both your family and the students you volunteered for! I love finding ways to give back when I travel, and this sounds like a really great one.

  8. Awwww! It looks like you all had a great time. I be it was a great experience for the girls.

  9. What an amazing trip and a wonderful and educational experience for your children. I had never heard of the Reading Road Trip before. Just wonderful!

  10. What a great adventure to take with your kids. I think it will help them to grow as a person!

  11. What a fabulous way to spend vacation time! I will be looking for this next time we book a vacation!!

  12. Going to Turks and Caicos is on my bucket list! I can not wait to go there one day.

  13. That is so lovely. I never heard of it before, but I’d love to do it, if I’m ever in the areas.

  14. I love how kids are kids everywhere and they just fell into place playing together! Kids just love to play! This was an awesome reading excursion.

  15. Your girls will remember this trip for the rest of their lives – amazing experience!

  16. Wow, that looks awesome maybe thats where me and my hubby will go for our next trip!

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