St. Paul's, St. Kitts - In response to escalating crime and social challenges in the Federation, St. Paul’s Primary School has partnered with community leaders to launch the St. Paul’s Families Initiative, a community-wide program emphasizing literacy and active parenting. 

“Our approach is unique in that we are working within the primary school to encourage students to read, but we have also established the St. Paul’s Community Library, which parents and children will visit together,” said V. Hutchinson, co-founder of the St. Paul’s Families Initiative.  “This holistic approach helps parents and teachers reinforce the same message: that reading holds the key to success.”

That message is now clearly visible to community members and passersby, thanks to a new mural stretching around the outer school wall.  Painted by village artist Quinton “Noway” Buchanan, the mural features the slogan “Reading is Fun,” as well as scenes of students engaging in recreational activities such as sports and drumming.

“The mural is an avenue of ensuring that St. Paul’s Primary students tap into their potential and creative skills,” said Phyllis Carty, principal of St. Paul’s Primary School.  “Building community and family relationships was a main objective of this project as teachers, students, community members, and the artist worked together to create a spectacular mural.”

Another key component of the joint venture has been the establishment of “in-classroom libraries” at St. Paul’s Primary School.   Peace Corps Volunteer Caroline Barrett formally presented six classroom bookshelves June 22 at a Father’s Day brunch honoring fathers for their contributions to the school community.  Pastor Peter Paul of St. Paul’s Wesleyan Holiness Church delivered the featured address, in which he emphasized the importance of a father to a child’s development.  He further advised fathers to “leave a biblical legacy for your children.”

The St. Paul’s Families Initiative meets in the St. Paul’s Community Library (located in the computer room of the community center) every Thursday from 6-8 pm and Saturday from 10 am – noon.  Volunteers and library patrons alike are welcome.  

 The St. Paul’s Families Initiative thanks the following: Elmes and Associates; Karibhana Trading; Terry Morris; J. Morris; D. Caines; C. Hutchinson; E. Freeman; J. Henville.