FRENCH QUARTER — Island Gems Charity Foundation fully funded the production of Birds Around Me / Vogels om mij heen, an English–Dutch workbook for primary school pupils in Grade 4 and above. Pupils can colour illustrations of local birds and read about them in both languages.
Les Fruits de Mer identified the need for the workbook through a survey of teachers, who highlighted a shortage of English–Dutch reading materials for primary school pupils. The workbook gives pupils a way to practise Dutch while learning about birds they can see around the island. “Dutch remains important for further study and many careers,” said Island Gems President Alita Singh. “When children can practise the language with a book about their own island, they have something familiar to build on. We want to help more pupils get that opportunity.”
Mark Yokoyama, the book’s author and a co-founder of Les Fruits de Mer, and Jenn Yerkes of Les Fruits de Mer presented copies of the workbook to Singh at Amuseum Naturalis in French Quarter. Island Gems members Asha Steven and Cherise Rambhajan accompanied her.
“We have always worked to share what we do on both sides of the island. The political division can make that hard to do. We are really excited to work with a local charity foundation to bring these books across the border into schools that are harder for us to reach,” Yokoyama said. The initial print run of 150 copies will be distributed free of charge. Island Gems will explore further support to make the workbook available to more pupils.
Island Gems Charity Foundation is an all-women volunteer organization that has served communities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island for nearly five decades. The foundation supports education, youth development, health, animal welfare and other community needs by providing goods, equipment and direct project support. Its annual costume gala is its main and only fundraiser. The 2027 gala is set for Saturday, April 10, at Emilio’s restaurant.
