Olympic Champ Julien Alfred Gives 50 Books to Saint Lucia

When Olympic champion Julien Alfred returned to her old elementary school last Friday, she brought something more lasting than medals: 50 books carrying her story into the hands of young Saint Lucian readers.

Alfred visited Ciceron Primary School to donate copies of "Peanut and the Julien Alfred Visit," a children's book chronicling her rise from local athlete to Olympic sprint champion. She presented the collection to Diverse Classroom Books, a charity dedicated to bringing fresh, diverse reading material to schools across the island.

The book, written by Saint Lucian author A.L. Dawn French and commissioned by 1st National Bank, tells Alfred's story of athletic development, determination, and historic achievement. It gives young readers a chance to connect with a homegrown sporting icon while building their love for reading.

Shnell Donacien, founder of Diverse Classroom Books, welcomed the contribution as an important boost to their literacy mission. A native of Choiseul who trained as a primary school teacher, Donacien brings 18 years of educational experience from England, India, and China to her work strengthening Saint Lucian school libraries.

The Ripple Effect

The donation extends far beyond one school visit. Over the past year, Diverse Classroom Books has reached more than 20 schools across Saint Lucia, from Choiseul to Vieux Fort, Soufrière, Canaries, Blanchard, and Babonneau.

"We plan to distribute Julien's books during upcoming school visits across the island," Donacien said. Each copy will demonstrate how commitment and perseverance can turn dreams into reality for children who might see themselves in Alfred's journey.

The organization praised both Alfred and 1st National Bank for recognizing the power of placing uplifting stories about Saint Lucian role models in front of young readers. They're now encouraging other schools to request donations and inviting businesses to explore partnerships that could strengthen libraries island-wide.

For Alfred, whose achievements put Saint Lucia firmly on the global athletics map, this represents a different kind of victory. Fifty books will now carry her story forward, encouraging young readers to discover new possibilities through literacy and chase their own dreams with the same determination that made her a champion.