Dominica: Sparking boys’ interest in reading

At Castle Bruce Primary School in the Commonwealth of Dominica—an island in the Eastern Caribbean—teacher Hannel Jackson dreams of every student discovering the joy of a good book.

However, she noticed something troubling: the school library was full of girls reading, but never boys—they preferred to play outside.

With 15 years’ experience as a kindergarten teacher and now serving as the school’s remedial teacher, Hannel understands that children need physical activity, but she also knows the value of reading for learning and imagination.

Before taking action, she wanted to find out why the boys were not drawn to the library.

“I had a discussion with some of the boys, and I asked, ‘Why is it that I only see girls in the library? Why don’t you come to the library to read?” stated Hannel Jackson, Teacher, CBPS.

Their response surprised her: 

“Miss, the books in the library are for girls! They are about princesses and dolls.”

Through more conversations, Hannel realised that the literature available, along with the design and layout of the reading spaces, were perceived by boys as being exclusively for girls.

Her solution was to create The Boys’ Reading Corner—but she didn’t do it on her own.

The boys themselves designed the dedicated space, selected books that reflected their interests, and incorporated games and hands-on activities to make reading fun and interactive.

She aimed to cater to their needs and have them feel a sense of ownership.

One boy shared: 

“The literacy room is fun and exciting. I will visit it often.”

Another added: 

“In the literacy room, we feel more interested in books. When I first saw it, I was amazed.”

The new space expanded the reading culture at the school, and girls now see boys as reading peers. The new enthusiasm and resources have made reading exciting for everyone.

Supporting innovation and leadership among teachers

Hannel’s initiative grew out of a research project sponsored by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (PEARL), which is funded by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

A regional grant of $10 million is supporting the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to improve basic education access and quality.

Thanks to this funding, teachers like Hannel have participated in leadership training that equips them to respond to the diverse learning needs and interests of their students.

After completing the training, Hannel received funding to create a dynamic, inclusive environment that would foster a love of reading among boys.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, she says:

“I feel elated. It surpasses my goals and expectations. Seeing the boys run into the reading corner so excited and interested–it just warms my heart.”

This achievement is a powerful testament to what happens when teachers lead with heart and tailor their interventions to uplift every learner, boosting inclusivity, confidence, and literacy all at once. As the bright, bold letters on the wall of The Boys’ Reading Corner proudly remind every child: “Reading will take you everywhere!”

Hannel is more excited than ever to see just how far this new spark, this growing love of reading, will take her students next.

The Boys’ Reading Corner was co-designed by male students and their teacher at Castle Bruce Primary School, Dominica. Credit: Hannel Jackson.

The books selected by boys for the The Boys’ Reading Corner at Castle Bruce Elementary School, Dominica, reflect their interests. Credit: Hannel Jackson.

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