Hands Across the Sea, Inc.
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May 8, 2013
I spent three weeks working with Harriet and T.L. for the Hands in St. Lucia. I have worked for many charitable organizations and find that none works more diligently, efficiently or earnestly to serve their cause. Hands Across the Sea supports and sustains literacy by collaborating with students, teachers, Peace Corps Volunteers, librarians, principals and Ministry of Education officials to create and enhance libraries in classrooms, schools and communities. Working with Peace Corps Volunteers to clean out and organize their school libraries, was my favorite part because I got my hands dirty, saw real improvemnet and met lots of students and teachers who appreciated the work we were doing together. As a teacher on sabbatical, I liked experiencing Caribbean schools from the inside. I especially loved reading with students and helping them choose titles from the all the beautiful new books. This work was very fulfilling.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 4, 2013
I spent a day with Harriet and Tom visiting primary schools in Dominica. They have the professional skills and the commitment to assess what the school libraries need, they take in - at a glance - how the libraries are being run, and they are considerate to the teachers who often work under difficult conditions. One thing that particularly impressed me is that Hands Across the Sea don't send rubbishy books and discarded books to their Caribbean schools - many of the books are brand-new and they are carefully chosen to fit the needs of the children. Harriet and Tom do a tremendous job - with great energy and enthusiasm and sensitivity.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 4, 2013
I assisted in a service trip led to Dominica to help with the reorganisation of school libraries there. I greatly appreciated how much individual attention Hands Across the Sea gave each institution it was helping and I also greatly appreciated the high standards to which participants within the program were kept as this really helped to ensure that the assistance given would be used most efficiently.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Likely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 4, 2013
Hands Across the Sea has assisted the Vieux-fort Infant School in Saint Lucia through the donation of new and relevant reading resources. The resources donated are currently being used in the school's library which was badly in need of an injection of new materials. I applaud this organization for this wonderful gesture especially as I see first hand the benefits to the children. They are excited about the new materials and they always seem eager to visit the library. In a nutshell, they are READING! Before this was not the case. With their continued support, I know the children at the Vieux-Fort Infant School will improve in their literacy skills. Thanks so much Hands Across the Sea, without you these children would not have ready access to great reading materials!
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
May 1, 2013
Hands Across the Sea has"sailed" into St.Lucia and has brought about changes to the lives of our children. Harriet and Tom have provided very interesting books to a number of schools which have helped to start school libraries or to refurbish existing ones. In the rural ares, where children now have access to authentic literature, we are now seeing students who are interested in reading; boys who are motivated to read and students who now read during their leisure time.
As the Curriculum Specialist for English Language, I value the support that they are giving to our schools and the impact that their contribution is making to the Literacy development of our country.
As we celebrate 'Reading Awareness Month" in May, I know that more students are able to get access to more books through Hands Across the Sea.
Thank you Tom and Harriet. Keep up the great job!
Angela Mariatte
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 1, 2013
I applaud the ongoing efforts of Tom & Harriet Linskey in providing books for our school libraries. I have known them for over five years and I admire their commitment to ensuring that children experience the world through reading. I think that they are doing an excellent job in this area. I have experienced their generous donations at Joycelyn Liburd Primary School and at Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School.
Top commendations are in order for them both.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 1, 2013
As the Teacher Librarian at the Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School, Nevis West Indies words cannot express my thanks to Hands Across the Sea (New Bedford, MA) for their help in assisting our school achieve its goal of having a State of the Art Library on the island. There contribution of books, cds and posters over the past five (5) years has greatly benifited our school, students are elatated to visit the library and read the books we have received. This year we were presented with the, "Hands Across the Sea Literacy Award 2013," this far exceeded our expectation. The pricipal,teachers,students and myself will continue to pray for the members and supporters of Hands Across the Sea that God will continue to bless them, as they assist not only our school but extent their love to others in the caribbean and the island of Nevis.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
May 1, 2013
Hands Across The Sea has helped us at the Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School on Nevis West Indies for the past five and a half (5 1/2) years in a very positive way. Not only for the students but also for the teachers as well. We appreciate all that you have done and we do hope to continue partnering with you in the future. Thank you very much. You are doing an excellent job. Continue helping and shaping the minds of our youth.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
April 30, 2013
Books and access to books are often taken for granted in many countries but, other than school text books, too many children in Dominica do not have books at home or easy access to a library. Limited finances, lack of book stores and the high cost of books mean that they are often low on the list of priorities in many homes and schools. Hands Across the Sea with the help of dedicated and passionate volunteers and school staff are doing an amazing job here in Dominica, building bright and comfortable school libraries and stocking their shelves with stimulating and relevant children's books. I have seen what a big difference the world of books, literature and poetry can make in the lives of the children (and often their parents too).
I like the "hands on" and practical way the organisation works, finding out the specific needs of each school, visiting the schools, providing books relevant for Caribbean children, working closely with the teachers and giving detailed feedback to donors. Celia Sorhaindo
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
April 30, 2013
Hands Across the Sea literally sailed into our lives when we met the Linskeys in Carriacou. We had money and school supplies that had been donated by our community in New Jersey and wanted to find a school that could put it all to good use. We live on our boat with our three children and sail with another family of five. Harriet found schools to use our school supplies on Dominica and then found a school on Union Island where all ten of us could donate our time as well. We spent a whole day reorganzing a school library, helping our new student friends as well as teaching our own children the joy of giving. We look forward to working with Hands Across the Sea again. We recommend them to anyone with books, time, or money to offer to an organization that is making an enormous impact in the Caribbean.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
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