Local Author Tamara Leonard Inspires Young Readers at St. Joseph School

GREAT BAY--Twenty-five students of St. Joseph School recently participated in two interactive reading and storytelling sessions with local children's author Tamara Leonard, as part of an ongoing initiative to promote literacy, creativity and an appreciation for Caribbean literature among young learners.

The sessions, held on October 16 and 23, were organized through Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery, a literacy initiative of the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center (PCCC), supported by funding from the Nederlands Letterenfonds (Dutch Foundation for Literature). The program connects students with local and Caribbean authors, providing opportunities to explore stories that reflect their culture, communities and everyday experiences while developing reading and communication skills.

Leonard engaged 25 Group 5 (Grade 3) students through activities centered on her children's book, Micheenah's Big Voice. Under the theme "Every Voice Matters," the sessions encouraged students to consider the importance of confidence, courage, empathy and expressing their thoughts. Rather than focusing solely on reading, the activities created opportunities for children to participate in discussions, share personal experiences and explore the messages presented in the book.

"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 Leonard.

During the first session, titled Finding Your Voice, students were encouraged to reflect on situations in which they had demonstrated courage, experienced uncertainty or found it difficult to express themselves. Through guided discussions and classroom activities, they connected the experiences of the book's characters with their own lives, reinforcing the message that their opinions, feelings and experiences deserve to be acknowledged.

The second session, From Feelings to Storytelling, shifted the focus toward creative expression. Working in small groups, the students developed original short stories based on their ideas and personal reflections. They collaborated with classmates, exchanged suggestions and practiced presenting their stories aloud, allowing them to strengthen their communication skills while gaining confidence in sharing their work with others.

For the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to make reading more engaging and meaningful for children while increasing their exposure to literature produced within the Caribbean. The organization believes that connecting students directly with authors can help young readers develop a stronger appreciation for books while recognizing the value of their own experiences and cultural backgrounds.

PCCC representative Kaishah Peters and Program Manager Kenty Lichtenberg described the initiative as "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".

The Center also acknowledged the partnership with Foundation Catholic Schools, which has helped facilitate the program's activities within the classroom. Peters expressed appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for students to experience literature through direct engagement, participation and open discussion.

Through the continued support of the Nederlands Letterenfonds, Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery aims to strengthen connections between education, literature and cultural identity. By introducing children to stories written by Caribbean authors and encouraging them to create their own, the initiative seeks to develop not only stronger readers but also a new generation of young storytellers who recognize that their voices and experiences matter.

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