Biblionef is thrilled to announce that our project, “Caribbean Reading Festivals”, is now a reality thanks to the support of the Dutch Foundation for Literature!

The Dutch Foundation for Literature is the public fund for literature in Dutch, Frisian, Papiamento’s and Dutch Sign Language. The Letters Fund is one of the six cultural funds funded by the State. The fund wants to contribute to a well-read, intelligent and creative society in which the role of the literature, writers and translators is recognized and appreciated.

In recent years, Biblionef Nederland has delivered new books in both Dutch and English to schools and libraries across the Caribbean and successfully trained more than 100 teachers in Sint Maarten and Aruba on reading development. However, our commitment to spreading literacy globally has inspired us to create an event with an even greater impact.

Thanks to the support of the Dutch Foundation for Literature and our collaboration with local organizations, this vision is coming to life! Building on the success of the Reading Festival in Sint Maarten this past October, we are excited to organize two future festivals that aim to involve at least 5,000 children, their parents and caregivers, approximately 100 teachers from 21 primary schools in Sint Maarten, and approximately 100 teachers from 20 secondary schools in Aruba.

These reading festivals are designed to be dynamic platforms filled with captivating activities and interactive games to spark children’s imagination and foster a lifelong love of reading. Beyond promoting literacy, these festivals will bring together children from diverse backgrounds, helping to build an inclusive and united community.

A crucial aspect of these festivals is ensuring accessibility for children from underprivileged families, providing them with opportunities to participate, learn, and enjoy brand-new books. Research shows that low language skills are closely linked to poverty. Growing up in poverty can hinder language development, reducing children’s chances of socio-economic success. According to UNESCO, vulnerable groups in the Caribbean, including children in poverty, often struggle with equitable access to quality education and essential resources like books.

Natural disasters have further impacted education in Sint Maarten. For instance, Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused severe devastation, destroying 33% of buildings, including schools, and damaging 90% of structures on the island. The educational system in Sint Maarten has also faced challenges due to COVID-19. In 2023, a learning evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, in collaboration with the National Recovery and Planning Agency, revealed gaps in fundamental skills such as language comprehension, writing, and basic math among students.

In Aruba, the government and various organizations have made substantial efforts to ensure access to education, but challenges remain. According to the latest data, the government is focused on making education accessible for all, with efforts including the National Education Plan 2030, which aims to improve quality and accessibility. As part of its educational system, Aruba provides free primary and secondary education to all children aged 4 to 18. However, issues like access to resources, including books, persist, especially in rural areas or among economically disadvantaged families.Biblionef’s mission is to give every child the opportunity to learn and build a brighter future, regardless of their circumstances. It is an important and challenging mission that cannot be carried out alone. Thus, we are always excited to collaborate with organizations that share our values, and we are deeply grateful for every donation and all the support that helps us bring the joy of reading to every child.