St. Joseph School Group 5 pupils with local author Tamara Leonard, their class teacher Tr. Shudeska Leonard, reading volunteers (Marisca Hunt-Peterson and Jillianne Maria), Philipsburg Cultural Center Director Kaishah Peters and Programme Manager Kenty Lichtenberg.
PHILIPSBURG--Twenty-five Group 5 pupils at St. Joseph School explored reading, storytelling and creative expression through two interactive sessions with local children's author Tamara Leonard as part of the Stories of St. Maarten literacy initiative.
Leonard visited the school on October 16 and 23, engaging the pupils through reading and storytelling activities based on her book, Micheenah's Big Voice.
The sessions, held under the theme “Every Voice Matters,” encouraged pupils to explore courage, confidence, empathy and the importance of speaking up.
The initiative, Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery, is organised by the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center (PCCC), with funding from the Nederlands Letterenfonds (Dutch Foundation for Literature).
The programme connects pupils with literature, local and Caribbean authors, and interactive reading experiences to promote literacy, storytelling, creative expression and cultural awareness.
During the first session, “Finding Your Voice,” pupils reflected on moments when they felt brave, uncertain or ready to express themselves.
Through guided discussions and interactive activities, they connected the book's message to everyday experiences and learnt that every voice deserves to be heard.
The second session, “From Feelings to Storytelling,” encouraged pupils to turn personal reflections into creative work.
Working in small groups, they developed original short stories, exchanged ideas and practised sharing their work aloud.
The experience reinforced the message that children should not only see themselves in the stories they read but also recognise that they have stories worth telling.
Leonard said the initiative provides children with an opportunity to discover local literature and engage with the authors behind it. “What I particularly appreciate about this initiative by the cultural centre is the opportunity it creates for children to discover local literature and engage with the authors behind it”, said Leonard.
For the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center, the programme represents an investment in literacy that extends beyond the classroom.
By connecting local authors with pupils, the initiative creates opportunities for cultural appreciation, imagination and the development of confident young readers and storytellers, according to the centre.
The programme also highlights the importance of making Caribbean literature accessible and relevant to children, allowing them to engage with stories reflecting familiar experiences, identities, cultural perspectives and communities.
PCCC expressed appreciation for its partnership with Foundation Catholic Schools, which allows the programme to reach pupils and bring literacy into the classroom through engaging activities and open discussions.
“We are grateful that, with the partnership of Foundation Catholic Schools, we can tap into our pupils and bring literacy to the classroom in an engaging and open discussion manner”, expressed Peters. With support from the Nederlands Letterenfonds, Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery aims to foster a lasting appreciation for reading while creating connections between literature, education and St. Maarten's cultural identity.
