Literacy Matters

At the Five Pearls Foundation, we believe literacy is the cornerstone of empowerment and progress. The ability to read, write, and share stories strengthens families, builds confidence, and connects generations.

For communities of color, literacy is especially powerful — it preserves our histories, amplifies our voices, and ensures that our stories are told with authenticity and pride.

Through our literacy initiatives, we create opportunities for learning, creativity, and community engagement. From book drives and youth readings to storytelling events, literary meetups, and luncheons that celebrate diverse authors, we’re inspiring a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Join us as we turn every page into a pathway to empowerment and opportunity. Learn how you can support our literacy programs or partner with us to promote literacy in your community.

First Initiative: Children’s Book Drive for Nevis

Our first literacy initiative supports the island of Nevis in the West Indies, where the local library is working to expand its children’s collection with stories that reflect the beauty, strength, and diversity of people of African descent.

The Five Pearls Foundation is organizing a Children’s Book Drive to provide new or gently used books that celebrate the experiences, voices, and imaginations of children of color. By filling these library shelves with stories that look like the communities they serve, we’re helping young readers see themselves in the pages they turn — and inspiring pride, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.

You can help us make a difference. Donate new or gently used children’s books featuring characters, authors, or themes from the African diaspora, and join us in bringing the power of storytelling to the next generation of readers in Nevis.

We implore you to purchase the books from a local, black owned book shop, Sisters Uptown Bookstore. They are located at 1942 Amsterdam Ave, open Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-6pm. Their shop contains a plethora of works that we highly recommend you peruse!