Faculty and staff from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (DHSS) at St. George’s University School of Arts and Sciences recently brought stories, art, and creativity to the classrooms of St. Michael’s RC Primary School in Byelands, St. Andrew. The visit marked the launch of a new community outreach initiative designed to strengthen ties with schools across Grenada.
Held on December 9, 2025, the end-of-semester visit reflects the department’s commitment to service beyond the classroom. With strong faculty participation and enthusiastic engagement from pupils, the initiative is set to become a signature event at the close of every semester.
Storytelling, art, and cultural pride
Throughout the morning, pupils were grouped by age and engaged in interactive storytelling, drama, arts and crafts, and educational games designed to build confidence and communication skills.
Younger students collaborated on a festive art project, creating individual pieces that formed a colorful Christmas tree display. For pupils ages six to eight, faculty led readings of Caribbean tales, including The Nutmeg Princess by Ricardo Keens-Douglas, followed by lively discussion and illustrated responses to the stories. Older students participated in a dramatic adaptation of Caribbean folklore, complete with choral storytelling and participatory roles.
“Storytelling and the arts give children permission to imagine, to speak, and to see themselves reflected in their culture,” said Dr. Antonia MacDonald, professor and chair of DHSS. “When we bring these experiences into schools, we’re not only supporting literacy—we’re affirming identity and creativity.”
The visit concluded with a warm social gathering, where faculty, pupils, and teachers shared refreshments and conversation, further strengthening the bonds formed throughout the day.
Investing in rural communities
All three administrative staff members and eight of the Department’s ten faculty participated in the outreach effort, underscoring the collective commitment to community engagement, particularly in rural areas.
Rhonda Farray-Herry, principal of St. Michael’s RC Primary School expressed gratitude for the visit. “Our students were fully engaged from start to finish,” she said. “Experiences like this broaden their horizons and reinforce the joy of learning. We truly appreciate the department for thinking of our school and investing in our children.”
Dr. MacDonald emphasized that the initiative reflects a broader vision. “This initiative is about more than a single visit. It reflects who we are as a department and as a university. We are proud to partner with schools like St. Michael’s RC Primary School and to share the gifts of our faculty with communities across the island. These moments of connection enrich our students, our faculty, and the wider Grenadian community.”
A renewed sense of purpose
For Dr. Hazel DaBreo, assistant professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, the experience proved transformative.
“I arrived feeling exhausted at the end of the term,” Dr. DaBreo reflected. “But the countryside, the school, and the remarkable children renewed my energy and perspective. I was reminded that helping others is one of the surest ways to help oneself. I returned home with love and peace in my heart, and purpose renewed. This is the meaning of life.”
Teachers at St. Michael’s expressed strong appreciation for the program and interest in future collaborations. As DHSS looks ahead, the department hopes to expand the initiative to additional primary schools across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique—continuing to strengthen school–community connections and share the joy of learning beyond the University’s campus.
