Optimist Club of Barbican Pines and The Book Fairy Bring the Joy of Reading to Children Across the Community

The Optimist Club of Barbican Pines, in partnership with Shanz the Book Fairy, has successfully completed its Read Across Jamaica 2026: The Book Fairy x Bee Brigade School Tour, bringing the joy of reading to children across the community.

The initiative concluded on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with visits to several schools, where students were engaged through storytelling sessions, interactive activities, and words of encouragement aimed at fostering a love for reading. Organisers say the tour was designed to promote literacy while creating memorable experiences for young learners.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Optimist Club of Barbican Pines and The Book Fairy Bring the Joy of Reading to Children Across the Community

The Optimist Club of Barbican Pines, in partnership with Shanz The Book Fairy, proudly completed its Read Across Jamaica 2026: The Book Fairy x Bee Brigade School Tour on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, sharing stories, smiles, and encouragement with children at schools across the community.

The day was filled with storytelling, reading activities, and meaningful moments as children were encouraged to read, dream, and believe in themselves.

A special highlight of the tour was the Club’s signature story, Benny the Bee and the Book Fairy, which follows Benny the Bee on a magical reading adventure. The bee character was chosen to reflect the official bee symbol of Optimist International, representing teamwork, service, and the caring spirit of Optimists around the world.

The tour visited:

* Shortwood United  School
* Mona Heights Chapel Kindergarten
* Shady Grove Basic School
* Bloom Early Childhood Centre, UWI

President Carla Myrie shared that the initiative was about more than reading books — it was about helping children feel seen, encouraged, and excited about learning.

Shanz The Book Fairy reminded students that “reading is magic,” encouraging them to use books as a pathway to imagination, confidence, and opportunity.

Under the theme “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader,” the initiative reflected the ongoing commitment of the Optimist Club of Barbican Pines and The Book Fairy to supporting children and building stronger communities through literacy and service.

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