Alfred turns pages of inspiration with 50-book donation to Saint Lucian schools

Olympic sprint champion Julien Alfred is extending her influence beyond the track, donating 50 copies of a children’s book inspired by her remarkable journey to help nurture literacy and ambition among Saint Lucian youth.

Alfred made the donation last Friday at her alma mater, Ciceron Primary School, presenting the books to Diverse Classroom Books, a local charity committed to providing schools with new, engaging and diverse reading material.

The collection, Peanut and the Julien Alfred Visit, tells the story of Alfred’s athletic development, determination and historic rise to become Saint Lucia’s Olympic sprint champion. Written by Saint Lucian author A.L. Dawn French, the book was commissioned by 1st National Bank.

Taking an Olympic story into classrooms

The donation is expected to bring Alfred’s achievements into classrooms across the island, giving young readers an opportunity to connect with the journey of a homegrown sporting icon while developing a love for reading.

Shnell Donacien, founder of Diverse Classroom Books, welcomed the contribution, describing the support from Alfred and 1st National Bank as an important boost to the organization’s efforts to improve access to children’s literature.

A native of Choiseul who grew up in London, Donacien trained as a primary school teacher and has accumulated more than 18 years of experience in education. Her professional background includes work as a teaching mentor, Key Stage 2 leader, reading curriculum leader and assistant headteacher.

She has worked in England, India and China, where she has spent the past eight years.

Reaching communities across Saint Lucia

Diverse Classroom Books has been expanding its reach throughout Saint Lucia, bringing reading resources to schools in communities across the island.

“Over the past year, we have visited more than 20 schools, beginning in Choiseul and extending to communities including Vieux Fort, Soufrière, Canaries, Blanchard and Babonneau,” Donacien said.

“We plan to distribute Julien’s books during upcoming school visits across the island.”

The organization intends to use the donated books to introduce more children to Alfred’s story, demonstrating how commitment, perseverance and ambition can help turn dreams into reality.

“We are especially pleased that Julien recognises the importance of literacy and the value of inspiring children to read,” she said.

Donacien also praised the Olympic champion and 1st National Bank for supporting the charity’s mission, noting the importance of placing uplifting stories about Saint Lucian role models in front of young readers.

An invitation to strengthen school libraries

Diverse Classroom Books is encouraging Saint Lucian schools interested in receiving book donations to contact the organization. Businesses and other institutions are also invited to explore partnerships that could help extend the program’s reach and strengthen school libraries.

For Alfred, whose achievements have placed Saint Lucia firmly on the global athletics map, the donation represents another way to make a lasting contribution at home.

This time, there were no starting blocks, finish lines or stopwatches. Instead, 50 books will carry her story into the hands of young readers, with the hope that her journey will encourage them to discover new possibilities through literacy and pursue their own ambitions with determination.