The public is invited to celebrate the launch of the new bilingual English-Dutch edition of Birds Around Me/Vogels om mij heen. The book is a coloring book and nature journal featuring 40 birds that live on St. Martin. Originally published in a bilingual English-French edition, the translation and publication of the new English-Dutch edition was funded by Island Gems Charity Foundation. Guests attending the launch will receive a free copy of the book. Guests can also play educational bird games at the launch.
“When we began giving books on the Dutch side of the island, teachers told us that the Dutch language is their hardest subject to teach,” explained Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. “Dutch isn’t spoken much here, but knowing Dutch is key to many careers and educational opportunities. With the support of Island Gems, we were able to create a tool that can teach about local wildlife and also help build Dutch language skills!”
Island Gems funded the translation and initial printing of Birds Around Me/Vogels om mij heen. The project was a great example of transboundary cooperation between organizations on each side of the island. This new edition will be printed and distributed to primary school students on St. Maarten for years to come. The Les Fruits de Mer association hopes to develop English-Dutch editions of many other books in the coming years.
“Children can open this workbook, recognise a bird they’ve seen near home and learn how to describe it in Dutch. That’s a practical way to build confidence in a language that can open doors to further study and future careers. Island Gems was glad to fund the workbook so Les Fruits de Mer could put it in pupils’ hands free of charge,” said Alita Singh, President of Island Gems Charity Foundation.
The book launch will be held on Saturday, November 21st from 9am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on the hill above Coconut Grove. Free copies of the book will be given to those who attend the event. The launch is also a great chance to visit the museum. There will be a coloring station where kids can start enjoying the book right away. Light refreshments will be served.
Free printed copies of Birds Around Me/Vogels om mij heen will be given to local schools and students as part of Les Fruits de Mer’s book program. The book is also available as a free download from https://lesfruitsdemer.com, and for purchase on amazon.com worldwide. Teachers and youth group leaders interested in copies are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer at [email protected]. Companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring future English-Dutch editions of books about St. Martin nature and heritage are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer.
This book was produced with the generous support of Island Gems Charity Foundation.
