SEPROD Foundation has launched a new national literacy partnership with Di Cawna Library and its Likkle Libraries initiative, marking the occasion with the establishment of the first two libraries in Crawford, St Elizabeth, and Seaford Town, Westmoreland.

The partnership will support the development of 15 Likkle Libraries across communities in Jamaica, expanding access to books, encouraging literacy among children, and creating safe, community-based spaces that inspire reading and learning.

The initiative began in Crawford and Seaford Town, two communities significantly impacted by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 and which remain priority areas for Seprod Foundation’s long-term community support and recovery efforts.

Founder of Di Cawna Library, Rachael McDonald, visited Crawford Primary School as part of the Read Across Jamaica Day activities last Tuesday, helping to formally launch the partnership while engaging directly with students through reading and storytelling activities.

Seprod Group volunteers also participated in the day’s activities, spending time reading with students and encouraging active engagement with books and storytelling in a warm, interactive environment.

“Books have the power to open minds, build confidence, and create opportunities for children no matter where they come from,” said McDonald.

“Through this partnership with Seprod Foundation we’re able to place more books directly into communities and create spaces where children can develop a genuine love for reading.”

As part of the initiative each child received a copy of I Have Feelings, donated by GEM, reinforcing the importance of emotional awareness, literacy, and self-expression among young readers.

“This partnership is about more than books,” said Lisa D’Oyen, executive director of Seprod Foundation. “It is about creating opportunity, encouraging imagination, and ensuring children — especially in communities recovering from hardship — have access to resources that support both education and personal development.”

Through the collaboration with Di Cawna Library, Seprod Foundation aims to help strengthen literacy culture at the community level while supporting children with accessible and engaging reading spaces.

The launch forms part of Seprod Foundation’s broader commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and long-term support for vulnerable communities across Jamaica.