CLIMB Foundation hails success of ‘Drop Everything and Read SXM’ National Literacy Movement

GREAT BAY--The CLIMB Foundation has hailed the success of its “Drop Everything and Read SXM” book party, an initiative held as part of the National Literacy Movement to strengthen cultural and functional literacy in St. Maarten and promote reading as a tool for empowerment.

The initiative brought the community together on July 8 in a collective effort to celebrate books, local writers and the importance of making reading a regular part of everyday life.

CLIMB Foundation collaborated with the St. Martin Book Fair Committee, House of Nehesi Publishers and local authors to encourage residents, organizations and community groups to either host or attend book parties featuring works by St. Martin writers.

The Foundation said the response demonstrated strong community endorsement of the National Literacy Movement, with enthusiastic participation in book party activities and widespread promotion of the initiative.

Support came from local authors, Parliament, government entities, educational institutions, students, parents, community councils, businesses, residents and visitors to the island. The broad participation reflected a shared interest in encouraging reading and strengthening literacy throughout the community.

According to CLIMB Foundation, “Drop Everything and Read SXM” is intended to become more than a series of individual events. The wider goal is to continuously unite the community in shaping St. Martin into a place where reading is embedded in daily life and where cultural and functional literacy contribute to individual and community empowerment.

The Foundation said the success of the July 8 initiative showed what can be achieved when different sections of the community unite around literacy and the promotion of local literature.

CLIMB Foundation expressed its gratitude to the entire community for what it described as exceptional support and encouragement for the movement.

The Foundation said it remains committed to advancing the National Literacy Movement and continuing efforts to foster a stronger reading culture across St. Maarten.

“Drop Everything and Read SXM” represents a continuing call for the community to make reading part of everyday life, support St. Martin writers and work collectively toward a more culturally and functionally literate society.

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