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.
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.
Myself, my husband and my oldest took turns reading to 2 classes, first a Kindergarten class and then a Grade 1 class.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Teresa Claire says
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!
Tammi says
Thank you Teresa!
Amber says
What an amazing adventure! Not only is it educational; but I bet the kids loved having you visit and read to them too!
Tammi says
Yes, they love having weekly visitors, it was so remarkable for all!
Robin says
That is lovely! If I ever make it down there, I am definitely signing up to participate in this. Amazing.
Tammi says
You need to, it’ll truly make your trip!
jan says
amazing experience – and very cool that they don’t charge for kids to experience it!
Tammi says
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!
Amy Desrosiers says
Aww, I love their reading area and classroom. The teacher in me smiles!
Tammi says
🙂
myrah says
What a great experience!!
Tammi says
It certainly was – I recommend you go one day!
Meagan says
What an unforgettable experience. My husband lived in Jamaica for 2 years and continues to tell me stories about the culture!
Tammi says
So awesome! I loved Jamaica!
Jennifer says
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.
Tammi says
So true Jennifer!
Kelsey Apley says
I love this!!! What a fun way to help out, and looks like they all enjoyed it!!
Tammi says
We all did – so much!
Jen Temcio says
I am so excited to learn about this. Thanks for sharing your family’s great experience and how we can help.
Tammi says
You are very welcome Jen!
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
Wow, I never thought to do something like this on a trip! I love the idea of a reading road trip!
Tammi says
Isn’t it fabulous? Everyone must experience a Reading Road Trip!
Ellen says
What a fantastic idea. Looks like a great time.
Tammi says
It was Ellen – it really was!
Brenda says
love this experience for the girls!
Tammi says
So happy they were bale to do this – it’s so important for them!
Chelley says
What an experience and adventure!
Tammi says
It was remarkable, I wouldn’t hesitate to go again!
Pam says
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.
Tammi says
Exactly!
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) says
Amazing experience and I bet the entire family will remember a lifetime. It’s so wonderful to give back 🙂
Tammi says
It was Laura, a great experience!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a sweet post! Your family did a wonderful thing and you can tell those children were blessed!
Tammi says
🙂
Sarah Marturano says
Awwww! It looks like you all had a great time. I be it was a great experience for the girls.
Tammi says
They loved it and I’m so glad they had the chance to go!
Nancy Lustri says
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!
Tammi says
Thanks Nancy, I’d recommend it if you have the chance to go!
Tosh says
What an amazing thing you are doing! Great way to give back and travel!
Tammi says
Thank you!
Brett Martin says
That looks like an amazing experience. I love that you and your family give back in this way.
Tammi says
Thanks Brett, I’m very happy that the Sandals Foundation does this!
Tess says
What a great adventure to take with your kids. I think it will help them to grow as a person!
Tammi says
Thanks Tess, it’s a wonderful life experience!
JulieK says
What a fabulous way to spend vacation time! I will be looking for this next time we book a vacation!!
Tammi says
🙂
Ann Bacciaglia says
Going to Turks and Caicos is on my bucket list! I can not wait to go there one day.
Tammi says
The country is amazing as is Beaches – I’d suggest putting it at the top of your list!
Leckie says
That is so lovely. I never heard of it before, but I’d love to do it, if I’m ever in the areas.
Tammi says
and I’m sure you’d love it!
tammileetips says
What a great experience and memories for the whole family! I had never heard of this program before!
Tammi says
Happy to have made the introduction!
Christine says
What an amazing experience. So cool!
Tammi says
It was amazing!!
JaimeeM says
Wow, thats so awesome! What a great trip idea!
Tammi says
Agree! 🙂
April says
This is such an awesome program. I would love to help with something like this. Reading is so important!
Tammi says
Absolutely!
Tiffany (Fabulous Mom Blog) says
What an amazing experience for your daughter to have. Reading is so important and it’s great that she read the kids a book and spent time with them.
Tammi says
Thanks Tiffany, I agree!
Liz Mays says
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.
Tammi says
It was such an incredible experience, for so many reasons!!
Carole Dube says
My daughter did something like that when she went to the Dominican.
Tammi says
That’s great Carole!
Julie G. says
Your girls will remember this trip for the rest of their lives – amazing experience!
Tammi says
I hope so Julie!
Christopher says
This is how I hope to travel with my children one day. 🙂
Sandy says
Looks like an amazing experience!
Kristine Ewald says
Wow, that looks awesome maybe thats where me and my hubby will go for our next trip!
DARLENE W says
Truly amazing