The development of the Point Blanche Prison Satellite Library is moving forward with its first Book Club activity.
Prisoners, Sint Maarten Library staff, international volunteers and prisoner volunteers recently came together to discuss The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
The session focused on reflection, personal growth and the idea that transformation can come through experience and learning.
The activity was organized under the Under the Hood Program and marks the beginning of a wider series of reading, literacy and cultural activities at the prison.
The satellite library is being developed through a partnership between the Ministry of Justice, MECYS and the Sint Maarten Library.
Plans include renovating and equipping the library space, expanding the collection, training prisoner library assistants and creating regular reading activities.
The project forms part of the broader Detention Sector Reform Program, aimed at supporting rehabilitation and personal development at Point Blanche Prison.