Biblionef is a non-profit organization committed to giving children in underprivileged communities access to high-quality books. Founded in the Netherlands in 1991, Biblionef’s mission is to promote literacy and inspire a love for reading in areas where books are scarce. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organisations, Biblionef donates books that are carefully chosen to be educational, engaging, and culturally relevant, with a focus on providing them in local languages. 

The organisation believes that reading is crucial to a child’s development. Books open doors to new ideas, broaden perspectives, and spark creativity. Biblionef works in regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, ensuring that children can access stories in languages they speak and understand, helping them connect with the content in meaningful ways. 

In addition to donating books, Biblionef supports literacy efforts by offering training workshops for teachers and librarians, equipping them to create environments that encourage and nurture reading. By fostering a culture of literacy and empowering communities, Biblionef aims to make a lasting impact on children’s lives, enabling them to discover the joy of reading and unlock the limitless opportunities it offers. 

The Sint Maarten Library aims to foster a love for reading by creating an engaging and educational environment for children. Through a multifaceted approach, the Library organizes events and activities such as parental reading workshops, puppet theatres, storytelling, and author visits. Collaboration with schools, stakeholders, and community organisations is key to promoting literacy and creating a supportive reading environment. The Library also recognises the importance of technology, offering digital access to books through platforms like the Overdrive Libby App and the Royal Library of the Netherlands KB. These initiatives not only encourage imagination and build values but also support children’s continuous learning and personal growth. By implementing these strategies, the Sint Maarten Library serves as a beacon for children, celebrating reading and nurturing lifelong learning. 

Help Our Children Foundation (HOCF), founded on June 14, 2001, is dedicated to fostering a closer relationship between home, school, and community. The foundation provides advice, executes education-related projects, and offers financial and other assistance to children and educational institutions. HOCF, in collaboration with its sister Foundation “Childfest,” has raised over $386,000, benefiting causes like St. Maarten Special Olympics and UJIMA Foundation. In 2023, HOCF partnered with Milton Peters College to fund the “Keep a Cool Head” project, equipping 25 classrooms with AC units. The foundation also annually supports the payment of school fees, uniforms, and sponsors the breakfast program at Sundial School.  

USM was established in 1986, evolving from a hospitality training initiative at Mullet Bay Resort and Casino in partnership with Johnson & Wales University. USM began offering an Associate Degree in General Liberal Arts in 1994 and held its first Commencement Ceremony in 1995. Over time, the university expanded to offer degrees in Education, Business, and Social Work in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands. USM’s mission is to foster and disseminate the arts and sciences, serving the binational community and the Caribbean region. The university aims to be a centre of excellence in higher education, teaching, and research for Sint Maarten/Saint Martin and neighbouring islands. USM values inclusivity, diversity, and the promotion of the common good, offering programs that support national growth and unity. The institution emphasises the importance of a strong, democratic society and the role of healthy institutions in fostering self-renewal and growth. 

The Reading Festival Sint Maarten is a collaborative initiative involving Biblionef Netherlands, Help Our Children Foundation Sint Maarten, the Sint Maarten Library, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Sint Maarten, and the University of St. Martin. The project aims to foster a love for reading among all children. The Division for Educational Innovation is responsible for initiating and implementing educational reforms to improve education quality on Sint Maarten, aligning this project with its goals. The Division of Public Education will actively involve students in reading activities to cultivate a joy for reading. The festival provides students with opportunities to engage in reading, encouraging them to become lifelong readers. Both divisions from the Ministry of Education are excited to be key partners in this important initiative.