Twelve primary and high school classrooms across Eleuthera recently added new books to their
reading shelves, thanks to a grant from the Charitable Arts Foundation in partnership with Bahamian
publisher Mrs. Teri Bethel. Because of the grant, Mrs. Bethel, along with her husband, Commodore (Retired) Tellis Bethel, distributed more than $6,700 worth of children’s books written or co-written by them across the island. The books, created with Bahamian culture, history, and geography in mind, were warmly welcomed by teachers and principals, who valued having culturally relevant reading materials for their students.
The Bethels personally visited schools during the distribution tour, directly handing the books to teachers. Along the way, they had the chance to talk with principals and teachers, and spend time encouraging many students, making the experience especially meaningful.
The donated children’s titles have received approval from the Ministry of Education as supplemental
and library books. The writing guides and stories combine fun adventureswith lessons that help develop writing skills, character, confidence, and positive values. Over the years, some schools and homeschooling families have been using the books with encouraging results.
Parents say the books have helped their children, who once struggled with reading, build confidence and a desire to read. One Eleuthera parent shared that his son “went from barely reading in grade four to reading well and enjoying it,” eventually graduating as the most improved student in grade six. Another parent said her daughter once resisted reading but now picks up books and reads fluently,
adding that the Bethels’ books “helped her tremendously.”
Educators have also seen the difference. Retired principal Shanna L. Johnson noted that the book
Courage to Overcome helped a student develop empathy and improve her behavior while also sparking a love for reading.
Teachers have also seen value in Teri Bethel’s writing resource Go to the Head of the Class: Story
Writing Tips and Prompts for Young Writers. Veteran teacher Mrs. Celia Imlach called it “an excellent
tool for helping students become creative, confident writers.” Other fictional chapter books donated
across the island include Trapped on Kooky Island and The Case of the Missing Boat Captain.
For the Bethels, the initiative represents a deeper hope for the island’s children.
“Our desire is to see the children of Eleuthera — the leaders of tomorrow — excel in their reading,
writing, speaking, comprehension, and behavior,” said Teri Bethel. “Just as important, we hope the
stories they read will help strengthen character and confidence as they grow.”
The Bethels hope to expand their reach to other islands, some of which have received book donations
for their libraries. They see this as a good start but recognize the need for culturally relevant books
that inspire children to read while teaching principles that promote healthy lifestyles, which can, in
turn, benefit the nation’s well-being.
This recent initiative builds on their 2021 Book Drive, during which they collected and donated
nearly 600 new books from over 50 Bahamian authors for distribution to 17 public libraries across
Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, and Harbour Island.
The authors expressed sincere appreciation to the Charitable Arts Foundation for helping make the
book distribution possible and for supporting literacy initiatives that invest in the future of Bahamian
children.
