The Cayman Islands’ literacy charity, Literacy is For Everyone (LIFE), will host its first-ever conference this November at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa.
The one-day event will bring together educators, caregivers, non-profit leaders and advocates to explore the state of literacy in the Cayman Islands.
It will also examine ways to close the literacy gap through early intervention and community collaboration, a press release said on 24 June.
Dr Dan Wuori, who will deliver the keynote address on 1 November, is a highly respected figure in early childhood education.
He has over 30 years of experience spanning teaching, administration, government policy, research and public advocacy.
Wuori is the senior director of early learning at the Hunt Institute, a US-based nonpartisan research organisation that supports informed and effective education policy nationwide.
The Hunt Institute works with policymakers and leaders at all levels of government to drive equitable educational outcomes from birth through adulthood.
Wuori is known for translating research into action, with a focus on building strong early childhood systems that improve long-term outcomes for children and families.
LIFE executive director Erica Dell’Oglio said the charity, which was founded in 2012, is delighted to welcome Wuori to the Cayman Islands.
“His expertise in brain development, equity and public policy will be invaluable in shaping conversations around the most critical issues affecting our youngest learners,” she said.
The conference will also share key findings from ‘The State of Early Childhood Education in the Cayman Islands’, a report commissioned by LIFE and conducted by KPMG.
The report provides insight into access, affordability, quality and challenges in Cayman’s early childhood education landscape, using local data and international benchmarking.
LIFE chair Woody Foster said the conference represents a timely and necessary focus on foundational learning.
“Early childhood education is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our country,” Foster said.
“It sets the stage for everything that follows – school success, job readiness, and lifelong opportunity.
“This conference is a chance to bring people together and move the conversation forward.”
The full agenda and additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Sponsorship opportunities will be available and registration will open soon.
More information is available from andy@tower.com.ky or www.life.org.ky
