ICYMI: Transportation Institute and U.S. Shipping Partners Team with Teachers, Non-Profits to Make Second Delivery of Books for Distance-Learning Students in Puerto Rico
Program Partnership Has Pledged to Ship Tens of Thousands of Books
SAN JUAN (April 16, 2021) – The Transportation Institute – and its U.S. shipping partners Crowley Maritime and TOTE Puerto Rico – along with the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR), the American Federation of Teachers, the Seafarers International Union (SIU), and the non-profit First Book, teamed together to launch the program “BookWaves” to ship and donate tens of thousands of books to students in Puerto Rico who are distance learning due to COVID-19 and other access barriers.
This week these partners, announced the second wave – 7000 – of books being transported to Puerto Rico for school-aged children. This shipment will add up to 10,000 delivered in the past six months. Students will continue to receive bilingual and Spanish STEM books, with future shipments to be brought by Crowley and TOTE cargo vessels.
The Transportation Institute and its partners are proud to ship thousands more books to support the learning and futures of the students in Puerto Rico.
“AMPR, AFT and First Book efforts over the years to provide millions of books to students in need inspired our organization to bring together the U.S.-flag maritime industry, the Seafarers International Union, and our logistics partners to ensure that Americans that rely on our shipping services have better access to books, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and learning,” said Transportation Institute’s Vice President Sara Fuentes.
Participating at the AMPR BookWaves event was TI partner TOTE Puerto Rico’s Eduardo Pagan:
“The impact on the education system from COVID-19 has been deep and real, and TOTE – as part of the Transportation Institute and it’s Dedicated to Puerto Rico initiative – is honored to partner with teachers [AFT and AMPR] and First Book to provide the tools and resources students need to advance their education. TOTE is dedicated to the future of Puerto Rico’s youth and to creating a positive and lasting impact in our communities.”
Also participating was TI partner Seafarers International Union San Juan Port Agent, Amancio Crespo:
“The seafarers are proud to participate and promote bilingual education for these children, so they have the opportunity to amplify the opportunity to get jobs, especially in our U.S.-flag maritime industry of which I am a product.”
About the Transportation Institute
The Transportation Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to maritime research education and promotion. Founded in 1967, TI and its members Crowley Maritime and TOTE are dedicated to Puerto Rico by providing reliable, on-time transportation services of essential goods between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico. U.S.-Puerto Rican maritime supports tens of thousands of family-wage jobs and plays a key role in homeland security. To learn more, visit: www.DedicadosaPuertoRico.pr