BLANCHARD COMBINED GRADE SIX STUDENTS BECOME PUBLISHED AUTHORS

Jako Productions and Blanchard Combined School are pleased to announce The World Through Our Eyes, an anthology written and illustrated by 22 Grade Six students.

The 260-page book features more than 100 imaginative stories, descriptive essays, how-to compositions, and illustrations. From heartfelt tributes to best friends and family members to step-by-step recipes and exciting adventures involving heroes, mysteries, and magical creatures, every page offers something new to discover.

The anthology captures the energy, humor, honesty, and lived experiences of young Saint Lucians while celebrating everyday life in communities filled with love, laughter, and learning. Whether readers are discovering the qualities of a dependable parent, learning how to make pancakes, or entering the world of a haunted school or heroic super dog, the book invites them to see life through fresh, curious eyes.

According to Nigeleen Samuel-Hubert, the Grade Six teacher who guided and supervised the anthology, the idea grew out of years of witnessing students’ remarkable development through their writing portfolios.

“The inspiration for The World Through Our Eyes grew from years of witnessing the incredible growth that occurs within writing portfolios,” Mrs. Samuel-Hubert explained. “Seeing Grade Six students transform their thoughts into polished narratives, expositions, persuasive arguments, and vivid descriptions year after year made it clear that their work deserved a life beyond the classroom walls.”

The principal and staff of Blanchard Combined School, together with the surrounding communities, are immensely proud of the young authors’ achievement. Principal Merle Langillier-Emanuel recalled her emotional response when she saw the book online: “I shed tears when I saw the book on Amazon.”

The World Through Our Eyes is the first book published under Wavin Kann Press, a new imprint of Jako Productions. According to Dr. Anderson Reynolds, the founder and director of Jako Productions, “the project represents more than the publication of a book; it is an investment in youth development, literacy, creativity, and self-expression. The venture has given the students an opportunity to see their work presented in a professionally produced book—an experience that can strengthen their confidence, inspire ambition, and deepen their connection to education and the written word.”

The publication was made possible through the generous support of Massy Stores, the Creative Industries Department of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Saint Lucia Free Zone Management Authority, and Jako Productions. The principal, staff, and students of Blanchard Combined School have expressed heartfelt gratitude to these organizations for helping bring the students’ work to a wider audience.

The official launch of The World Through Our Eyes is set for 1:30 on Monday, 19 October, at the Blanchard Combined School Auditorium. Mrs. Samuel-Hubert and the entire school community warmly invite the public to attend, meet the young authors, celebrate their remarkable achievement, and obtain autographed copies of the book.

Blanchard Combined School was established in 1987 to serve the rural community of Blanchard in the southeastern interior of Saint Lucia. With a student population of approximately 200, the school has distinguished itself in both academics and sports. Its recent academic achievements include ranking highest in the district’s Minimum Standards Tests, producing the community’s top-performing CPEA students for three consecutive years, and placing second in the 2025 National Essay Competition. The World Through Our Eyes is yet another expression of the creativity, values, and spirit that Blanchard Combined School nurtures in its students.

The World Through Our Eyes is available worldwide through Amazon. In Saint Lucia, you can find it at Back-to-Basics, La Tourney Gablewoods Mall; T&M, Vieux Fort Plaza; and Books N More in Micoud. For inquiries or purchases, call 712-8024 or 718-0373.