PCCC reading programme brings Tamara Leonard to St Joseph School

The Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center said Caribbean children’s author Tamara Leonard led two reading and storytelling sessions at St Joseph School on Friday 16 and Friday 23 October. Twenty-five Group 5, or Grade 3, pupils took part in sessions featuring Leonard’s book Micheenah’s Big Voice, according to the centre.

The sessions were part of the PCCC’s Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery programme, which is funded by the Nederlands Letterenfonds. The centre said the first session focused on finding one’s voice, while the second had pupils work in groups to create and share short stories.

According to the PCCC, the sessions explored courage, confidence, empathy and speaking up. The programme connects students with local and Caribbean authors, literature and reading activities, the centre said.