THERE was no shortage of smiles, snacks, or stories for Read Across Jamaica Day 2025 as teams from Derrimon Trading Company Ltd (DTL) brought books to life for students at Stony Hill Primary, George Headley Primary and seven other schools across the island.

The initiative featured engaging read-aloud sessions, treats and refreshments, and exciting giveaways.

The activation, part of the company’s wider Child Month outreach, saw participation from both Derrimon’s flagship team and its Sampars division, reaffirming the group’s ongoing commitment to supporting literacy and child development across Jamaica.

Students from grades 1 through 5 were guided by team members who read selected stories that reflected this year’s national theme, ‘Safeguarding the Future of Our Children: Adapting a Culture of Reading’.

Through a joint effort, representatives from Derrimon aimed to emphasise the role of literacy in shaping children’s lives.

Among the readers was Georgia Strachan, group brand manager at Derrimon Trading Group, who said, “Supporting Read Across Jamaica Day aligns perfectly with our values and our mission to nourish minds, support communities, and show our children that their future matters.

“This event is observed annually, but when our teams step into these schools, it’s not just about reading a book but our focus is to remind the students of the larger role that reading plays in their lives and futures. We want them to know that apart from their teachers and parents, there is a wider community of Jamaicans who care about their education, and their future, as they continue to grow and develop.”

The visit was also filled with fun and flavour. Students were treated to hot dogs made with Delect Frankfurters and cool snow cones and fruit juice prepared using Delect concentrates and syrups.

Each child also received a delectable goody bag stocked with mackerel, coconut milk powder, and Spicy Hill Cock O’Noodle Soup Mix, adding a practical and nutritious touch to the day’s excitement.

“I’m excited about the support we receive from organisations each year on Read Across Jamaica Day. The earlier we spark that interest in reading, the more confident and capable our students become.

“Read Across Jamaica Day is an important reminder of that and when companies like Derrimon take part, it motivates our children and shows them that learning is a shared responsibility between schools, families, and the wider community,” said Shirley Williams, principal of Stony Hill Primary.