Dominica’s premier literacy initiative has returned with a renewed mission and a deeper cultural footprint. The rebranded Felix Henderson National Reading Competition, officially launched on Thursday, not only honors the beloved broadcaster’s legacy but introduces a new dimension: celebrating local culture through calypso.
This year’s competition, themed “Read to Lead, Read to Succeed,” marks a shift toward holistic youth development. For the first time, students will be required to perform a calypso interpretation as part of the contest. The inclusion is designed to enhance oral expression and cultural identity while preserving the art form that Felix Henderson himself championed.
Education Officer for Language Arts, Miss Clara Charles, explained that the aim is to blend academic proficiency with cultural fluency. “We want our children to connect with language emotionally and rhythmically—calypso helps us do just that,” she said.
The late Felix Henderson, known for his rich Kweyol expressions and signature voice, played a pivotal role in literacy promotion and cultural preservation. The competition now carries his name in tribute to his passion for reading and national pride.
The event was also graced by Cataleya Poponne, the 2024 winner of the competition, who encouraged participants to approach reading with both discipline and curiosity. “Reading gave me confidence,” she shared, urging her peers to read with expression and emotion, not just for accuracy.
The competition is open to Grade 5 students from all seven education districts. Students will be evaluated on pronunciation, fluency, expression, and comprehension. The final is expected to take place in May.
Organizers hope that by fusing literacy with local heritage, the competition will spark a new wave of enthusiasm for reading while reinforcing a sense of national identity among Dominica’s youth.
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