Inaugural literacy conference set for November

The Cayman Islands non-profit organisation Literacy is For Everyone, better known as LIFE, will host its first-ever conference on 1 Nov. at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa.

The one-day event will bring together educators, caregivers, nonprofit leaders and advocates to explore the state of literacy in the Cayman Islands and examine ways to close the literacy gap through early intervention and community collaboration.

Dan Wuori, who will deliver the keynote address, has more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, 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.

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“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Wuori to the Cayman Islands,” said Erica Dell’Oglio, executive director of LIFE. “His expertise in brain development, equity, and public policy will be invaluable in shaping conversations around the most critical issues affecting our youngest learners.”

The conference will also share key findings from ‘The State of Early Childhood Education in the Cayman Islands’, a comprehensive report commissioned by LIFE and conducted by KPMG. The report provides insight into access, affordability, quality and challenges within Cayman’s early childhood education landscape, drawing on local data and international benchmarking.

Woody Foster, chair of LIFE, said the conference represents a timely and necessary focus on foundational learning.

Woody Foster, chairman of Literacy is For Everyone

“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. Anyone interested in learning more about the event should contact [email protected].

Founded in 2012, LIFE is a nonprofit organisation with a mission to significantly increase literacy levels in the Cayman Islands. The organisation works to ensure access to high-quality learning resources, promote a culture of reading and empower individuals to thrive through literacy.

For updates, visit www.life.org.ky or follow LIFE on Instagram or Facebook.