SYGNUS INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS ACROSS AGE GROUPS FOR READ ACROSS JAMAICA DAY

MAY 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

SYGNUS INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS ACROSS AGE GROUPS FOR READ ACROSS
JAMAICA DAY

(Kingston, Jamaica) As part of its ongoing commitment to education and community
development, Sygnus, a leading alternative investments firm, once again participated in the
annual Read Across Jamaica Day initiative. This year, the Sygnus team went above and beyond
by adopting a novel approach, fostering a love of reading not only for primary-level students but
students across a wider age spectrum.

“At Sygnus, we believe in investing in the future of Jamaica’s youth. Literacy is a cornerstone of
success, and we are committed to supporting educational initiatives that nurture a love for
reading and empower students to reach their full potential,” began Renée Rickards, Senior
Marketing Manager at Sygnus. “And this year, we decided to take a more inclusive approach as
we recognised the critical need to support the older students as well, as they are an
underserved demographic for this particular initiative. Overall, seeing the joy and engagement
on the faces of the students at both schools was truly rewarding.”

As part of the initiative, Sygnus donated books and essential items to John Mills Infant Primary
and Junior High School, and St. Margaret’s Human Resource Centre, the latter under the
stewardship of the St. Patrick’s Foundation with whom Sygnus has a longstanding relationship.
The team spared no effort in ensuring that the day was not just about reading but also about
meaningful interaction and support for the students.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by students at the St. Margaret’s Human Resource
Centre (reading levels 1-7), Sygnus team members adopted a tailored approach. Engaging 34
students (ages 12-15), some of whom are preparing to sit their G.N.A.T exams, the team did
Read-Alongs, Interactive Activities and Open Discussions. Team members fostered a safe
space for students to discuss their reading preferences, dreams, and aspirations. These
exercises aimed to stimulate critical thinking. In addition to these interactive sessions, the
Sygnus team organised games of educational charades, blending learning with fun to foster an
engaging learning environment. These activities not only encouraged participation but also
reinforced key concepts in an enjoyable manner. Further demonstrating its commitment to
education, Sygnus made a monetary donation to support the Centre’s initiatives and donated
books to enhance the school’s library. These contributions aim to provide ongoing support and
resources to facilitate continued learning and growth beyond the event.

Thanking Sygnus for their support was Mr. Dodd, Principal of St. Margaret’s Human Resource
Centre. “Driving literacy and providing the necessary learning resources for children who are not
able to fit into the regular high school system and can’t afford the special education they need is
one of the visions here at St. Margaret’s Human Resource Centre. And for Sygnus to commit
themselves to helping us to promote this vision is a wonderful thing as it aids those students
from the inner city who are not able to find it financially. Initiatives such as these are very
important, particularly for St. Margaret’s, currently a non-governmental school. Sygnus being
here for Read Across Jamaica Day aids the school and by extension the community and
Jamaica. The donation of these books to our remedial classes as well as Carpentry and
Electrical greatly enhances our programme at St. Margaret’s. On behalf of St. Margaret’s and
the St. Patrick’s Foundation, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Sygnus for choosing to
support our school by offering their time and contributions to enhance literacy here.”
Meanwhile, Sygnus team members at the John Mills Infant Primary and Junior High School
captivated younger students (ages 6-10) with an engaging read-aloud session featuring books
written by local authors. The session incorporated a ‘Grab Bag’ prize system, where students
who participated in discussions about the book received exciting rewards. Fun outdoor
activities, including ring games and the playground, rounded out the experience.

“Initiatives like this are very important as making literacy a goal of every student, will allow each
of them to practise and build skills that will support them as they navigate the 21st century. Read
Across Jamaica Day helps to support all students, especially struggling readers, to develop
skills which will help them to think, read, and write critically and effectively, thus preparing them
to do well in the national examinations such as Primary Exit Profile (PEP). The John Mills
Primary and Infant School cannot find enough words to express gratitude to Sygnus for their
invaluable input to the development of education in Jamaica and in our school. Your donation
and presence speak volumes. And this initiative is inadvertently helping us to achieve one of our
main objectives of our School Improvement Plan, which is to improve the literacy level of
students of all grades by 2026,” expressed Mrs Jean Reid Anderson, Acting Principal at John
Mills Primary and Infant School.

Sygnus’ commitment extended beyond books for the students. The team treated both schools
with celebratory cakes and recognised the tireless efforts of the teachers with gifts in honour of
Teacher’s Day. Principals from both institutions also received special tokens of appreciation.
Sygnus’ Read Across Jamaica Day activation exemplifies the company’s dedication to
supporting the future of Jamaica by nurturing a love of learning and providing valuable
resources to students of all ages.