A Year of Hope and Resilience: Reviving Literacy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
This year, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines faced the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the ongoing effects of a global pandemic, and the lingering scars of a volcanic eruption, Hands Across the Sea (Hands), the Mustique Charitable Foundation (MCF), and our dedicated community of partners and friends came together to help reignite hope and opportunity through the power of education. In a world where uncertainty often feels like the norm, our partnership has shown how, even in the darkest of times, there is a spark of light—powered by community, resilience, and a shared commitment to the future of our children.
Rising from the Ashes: The Power of Collaboration
The year 2024–2025 was one of recovery and rebuilding, not just of schools and infrastructure, but of spirits. The effects of Hurricane Beryl were devastating—roofs torn off, homes displaced, families struggling to pick up the pieces. The devastation was felt in every corner of the country, especially in schools where students’ educational journeys had already been disrupted by the challenges of the pandemic and the volcanic eruption.
But even amidst these overwhelming obstacles, the spirit of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines never faltered. And neither did Hands Across the Sea, with the unwavering support of the Mustique Charitable Foundation. Together, we rallied to provide the support that was desperately needed to help schools, teachers, and students heal and move forward.
The Heart of Our Work: Students, Teachers, and Communities
This partnership has never been just about donating books. It’s about transforming lives—one book, one lesson, one smile at a time. From our Literacy Links, Enna Bullock and Yvette Pompey, who tirelessly visited schools, to the communities that came together in unexpected ways, every step of this journey has been powered by the belief that education is the key to a brighter tomorrow.
Key Highlights from the Year: A Journey of Hope and Determination
1. Bringing Libraries Back to Life
Several school libraries—including those at Paget Farm Government, Mary Hutchinson Primary, and Stephanie Browne Primary—were devastated by the storm. While some schools remain physically closed, learning hasn’t stopped. Students impacted by the storm received disaster relief take-home care packages of books from Hands, and where classrooms were relocated, books followed.
At Paget Farm, the library is now once again a place of discovery and joy. Children are back in their building, flipping through fresh pages, exploring new ideas, and rebuilding their routines. It’s a small sign of stability in a world that’s shifted under their feet.
2. Literacy in Action
It wasn’t just about books; it was about bringing learning to life. From “Hats off to Reading” week to creative early childhood education events, Hands worked to ignite a love for learning in every student. Through read-aloud sessions, comprehension games, and interactive storytelling, we reminded children that education could still be a source of joy, even in the face of adversity. This year, we watched students who had lost so much begin to rediscover the power of their imagination, their curiosity, and their potential.
3. The Importance of Our Teachers
Teachers are the unsung heroes of every community, and in St. Vincent, they continue to show up with tremendous resilience. Despite facing personal hardships, these dedicated educators continued to pour their hearts into their students’ futures. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Hands supported training for new library workers—ensuring that schools had the tools and skills necessary to foster a love for reading. With Hands’ assistance, many schools also hosted professional development opportunities for educators to strengthen their teaching strategies and support their students’ academic growth.
4. Disaster Relief, Delivered with Love
When Hurricane Beryl struck, it was clear that our work wasn’t just about books. We had to act quickly to ensure that children—who had already lost so much—could get back to learning. We were able to provide more than 6,500 books, along with essential school supplies, to schools that had been severely impacted. It wasn’t just about replenishing what was lost—it was about showing our students, teachers, and communities that they weren’t alone. Through our partnership with MCF, the relief materials arrived in time to make a difference, ensuring that learning could continue, even in the midst of crisis.
A Remarkable Ally: The National Public Library
One of the quiet heroes behind this year’s success was the National Public Library, under the leadership of Director Mrs. Michelle King. When space and logistics became a challenge, Mrs. King immediately opened the doors—literally and figuratively.
The library became a vital hub:
- Storage space was offered for the arrival of books and disaster relief supplies.
- Regular programming logistics were shifted to accommodate the massive sorting and boxing effort.
- Library staff stepped up to assist with packing, lifting, and preparing deliveries—including those bound for the Grenadines.
And when it came time to gather and celebrate, the conference room served as the setting for our February 2025 handover ceremony.
This partnership showcased the best of what community can be: flexible, collaborative, and rooted in service. To Mrs. King and the entire staff—your generosity made this work possible, and we are so grateful.
A Moment of Celebration: The Power of Community
In February 2025, we came together for a handover ceremony at the National Public Library to celebrate this year of rebuilding, recovery, and resilience. It was a moment of triumph for every teacher, student, and community member who had fought so hard to keep learning alive. As Enna Bullock, our Literacy Link, shared with the audience, “We are not just handing over books; we are handing over hope.”
The ceremony was more than just an event—it was a reminder that together, we can overcome anything. With the generosity of the Mustique Charitable Foundation, the strength of the Ministry of Education, and the tireless efforts of Hands Across the Sea, we’ve been able to make real, lasting change.
A Lasting Impact: Looking Toward the Future
The journey is far from over. This year, we planted seeds of hope, but it’s just the beginning. We continue to support the children, teachers, and communities of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, working together to ensure that literacy remains at the heart of every child’s future. And with the ongoing support of the Mustique Charitable Foundation, we are confident that we can continue to nurture these efforts for years to come.
As we look to the future, we are filled with hope. We know that every book delivered, every classroom restored, and every smile we see on a student’s face is a small but meaningful step toward a better tomorrow. And we couldn’t do it without the incredible partnership we have with MCF. Together, we are more than just supporters—we are part of a community dedicated to creating lasting change.
Here’s to a future where every child in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can pick up a book, open it, and see endless possibilities.
