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Inspiring The Next Generation of Storytellers

October 29, 2025 32

The connection between theatre and literacy has always come naturally to Teri Blades, whose passion for storytelling has shaped much of her creative journey. With roots in theatre and a background across multiple areas of the arts, she has long understood the power of stories to build identity, strengthen community and preserve culture. Today, that belief sits at the heart other work as one of the NIFCA External Coordinators for the Read the Room series – a project that brings Barbadian stories and the voices behind them to young audiences across the island.

For Blades, her journey has been shaped by a lifelong immersion in creativity. Reflecting on that path, she shared, “I have always been surrounded by the arts,” a statement that feels almost inevitable given her involvement in Barbados’ literary and creative landscape. “I was the Assistant Coordinator for Literary Arts during Carifesta XV, and I currently serve as Secretary for the Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Committee. Being involved in so many creative projects, I have seen how rich culture empowers communities. So, when I was asked to be part of this project, I thought it was a great opportunity to inspire others and meet new future readers and writers.”

Her appreciation for the arts was nurtured in childhood by her mother. “When I was younger, I didn’t really like writing or reading,” Blades admitted. “But my mother saw that I was drawn to visuals such as cartoons and illustrations. This is when she encouraged me to read comics. That is what really hooked me. From there, I branched into mysteries and other stories, and I found myself drifting naturally toward the arts.”

That early connection to storytelling has grown into a mission of ensuring Barbadian students experience their own culture through books. She said, “I think it’s important for them to know the stories of home. They need to understand that their voices matter, that their stories are valuable and can hold an audience’s attention. When children read stories written by Barbadians or set in Barbados, it inspires them to explore the hidden corners of our island and the beauty in everyday life.”

Meet Teri Blades, a passionate storyteller and NIFCA External Coordinator helping children discover the power of Barbadian stories.

For Blades, storytelling is a way of seeing the world. Even the smallest details can hold meaning and tradition. Reflecting on one instance, she shared, “I noticed some little white mushrooms growing in the yard and told my grandmother. She said, ‘Oh, you mean duppy parcels,’ and I thought to myself, what are those? And where did that name come from? Then and there I said that is a story right there! That is the kind of thing our children need to experience and see how even the smallest details around them hold meaning and tradition.”

That sense of discovery is what makes Read the Room special. Sessions feature stories across genres, from comedy and fantasy to adventure, all highlighting meaningful lessons about family, friendship, honesty and being true to oneself. “Those are lessons children carry with them long after the story ends.”

The program goes beyond entertainment, sparking imagination and showing children that their own stories matter. “I hope these sessions encourage children to see that their stories are important,” Blades said. “It does not have to be something written or published right now. It could start with them simply talking to their families, sharing what happened in their day or telling their friends about their vacation. That is how imagination grows.”

To make that connection even stronger, Read the Room has introduced an exciting feature which allows local celebrities to come in as readers. Local figures such as Mahaylia and DJ Salt lend their voices to the stories, creating moments of recognition and excitement among the children. The reason and impact? Blades said “social media is a big thing right now. These celebrity readers have huge followings, and some have worked with children before. When kids see familiar faces reading these stories aloud, it makes a difference. They hear familiar Barbadian voices bringing the stories to life, and it makes reading feel cool. It becomes something they want to do, something they want to follow.

For Blades, the rewards of the project are deeply personal and enlightening. “It’s been really cool. Children have so many ideas. Sometimes I am amazed, thinking, ‘Where did you come up with that?’ But projects like this remind me that to connect with them, you have to think like a child and see the world through their sense of wonder.”

At its core, Read the Room is about connection and bridging generations with cultures and imaginations. “The program celebrates literacy by bringing Barbadian books and stories directly to children,” Blades explained. “It can be hard to find local books in stores these days, so this series helps children discover what is out there. They can then go home and ask their parents to find these books online or at local events. It is a bridge that connects curiosity to culture.”

If she could leave the children with one message, it would be simple but lasting: “Remember why you enjoy stories. Remember what makes them special to you. And keep using your imagination in every way you can.” (PR)

Written by: Info NCF

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