PHILIPSBURG:--- The Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center (PCCC), with funding from the Nederlands Letterenfonds (Dutch Foundation for Literature), continues to bring Caribbean stories into local classrooms through Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery, a literacy initiative designed to encourage reading, strengthen creative expression, and connect young learners with the stories and authors of their own community.
Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery is a literacy initiative of the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center that connects students with literature, local and Caribbean authors, and interactive reading experiences. The program promotes literacy, storytelling, creative expression, and cultural awareness among young learners.
As part of the program, Caribbean children's author Ms. Tamara Leonard visited St. Joseph School on October 16 and 23, engaging 25 Group 5 (Grade 3) students through two interactive reading and storytelling sessions featuring her book, Micheenah's Big Voice. Under the theme “Every Voice Matters,” the sessions moved beyond traditional reading aloud, inviting students to explore courage, confidence, empathy, and the importance of speaking up.” What I particularly appreciate about this initiative by the Cultural Center is the opportunity it creates for children to discover local literature and engage with the authors behind it”, said Local Author Ms. Tamara Leonard.
During the first session, Finding Your Voice, students 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 learned that every voice deserves to be heard.
The second session, From Feelings to Storytelling, encouraged students to turn personal reflections into creative work. Working in small groups, they developed original short stories, exchanged ideas, and practiced sharing their work aloud.
The experience reinforced a central message: children should not only see themselves in the stories they read but also recognize that they have stories worth telling.
For the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center, the initiative represents “an investment in literacy that extends beyond the classroom. By connecting local authors with students, Stories of St. Maarten creates opportunities for cultural appreciation, imagination, and the development of confident young readers and storytellers”, says Philipsburg Cultural center Kaishah Peters & Program Manager Kenty Lichtenberg.
The program also highlights the importance of making Caribbean literature accessible and relevant to children, allowing them to engage with stories that reflect familiar experiences, identities, cultural perspectives and communities.
With the support of the Nederlands Letterenfonds, Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery aims to foster a lasting appreciation for reading while creating meaningful connections between literature, education, and St. Maarten's cultural identity. “We are grateful that with the partnership of Foundation Catholic Schools, we can tap into our students and bring literacy to the classroom in an engaging an open discussions manner”, expressed Ms. Peters.
