Caribbean pages brings local literature to classrooms as more St. Maarten schools prepare to join

GREAT BAY--Caribbean Pages, an eight-month literary initiative supported by the Dutch Foundation for Literature (Nederlands Letterenfonds), is gaining momentum in St. Maarten, with students at Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School participating in a program that combines Caribbean literature, cultural identity, creative writing and digital storytelling.

The initiative, which runs from October 2026 through May 2027, aims to strengthen reading comprehension, critical thinking, creativity and self-expression while encouraging students to explore their Caribbean heritage through literature.

Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School is among the first schools to participate, having completed three weeks of literary activities designed to connect students with local authors and stories reflecting their own communities and experiences.

Students in Groups 7A and 7B are currently working with St. Maarten author Ralph Cantave's book, Soualigan Tales: Steve Takes a Stand, which explores themes of courage, friendship, bullying, self-esteem, responsibility and standing up for what is right.

The book also provides opportunities for discussions about St. Maarten's history, cultural identity and community values.

Through structured 45-minute sessions, students participate in reading exercises, classroom discussions and collaborative assignments that encourage them to interpret the story and develop their own creative responses.

Working in small groups, the students will gradually transform their ideas into original literary and artistic projects, potentially including short stories, spoken-word presentations, illustrated narratives, podcasts and digital productions.

The objective is to move students beyond traditional reading exercises and encourage them to become storytellers who can communicate their experiences and perspectives through different creative formats.

Following the initial engagement at Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School, St. Maarten Academy Vocational Business Campus and Milton Peters College are expected to join Caribbean Pages in the coming weeks.

Their participation will expand the initiative's reach and introduce additional students to a learning experience that connects literature with creativity and technology.

Activities will be adapted to the students' ages, learning levels and classroom environments, allowing participating schools to incorporate the initiative into their existing literacy development efforts.

An important feature of Caribbean Pages is its focus on helping students transform traditional literary assignments into digital content.

Participants will be introduced to accessible technologies and applications that allow them to present their work through different media, combining reading and writing with digital skills.

A dedicated online platform is also planned to showcase selected student projects, providing opportunities for young writers and creators to share their work with the wider community.

The platform is intended to celebrate Caribbean voices, promote cultural pride and encourage other students to explore literature and creative expression.

Student work and media will be shared in accordance with applicable school procedures and parental authorization requirements.

According to the initiative's organizers, the approach recognizes that young people increasingly communicate through digital platforms and that literacy development can benefit from incorporating these familiar tools into the learning process.

Caribbean Pages Project Manager Kenty Lichtenberg is overseeing the initiative, which seeks to create meaningful connections between literacy, Caribbean heritage and the experiences of young people.

By introducing students to stories written by Caribbean authors, the program encourages them to recognize the value of their own history, surroundings and cultural identity.

The organizers also hope to strengthen students' confidence in their ability to express themselves, whether through writing, public speaking, illustration or digital storytelling.

Caribbean Pages has expressed appreciation to the management, teachers and students of Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School for their participation and cooperation during the initiative's first three weeks.

The project also recognizes the contributions of authors, school administrators, creative facilitators and parents in helping young people develop an appreciation for literature.

With additional schools preparing to participate, Caribbean Pages aims to establish a growing network of young readers, writers and storytellers whose work reflects the heritage, diversity and evolving identity of St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean.

The initiative is supported by the Dutch Foundation for Literature (Nederlands Letterenfonds).

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