36 years of teaching, storytelling and preserving Jamaican culture through education and literature.
My Journey
From a young age, I knew teaching and storytelling were part of who I was. As a child in Jamaica, I wrote on everything I could find — fences, sidewalks, paper bags and notebook margins — and even created “mud children” to teach lessons to. I loved telling stories and seeing the excitement they brought to others.
As I grew older, writing became a deeper form of expression. Encouraged by teachers and shaped by personal experiences, I developed a love for poetry, literature and creative storytelling. One powerful school assignment later helped me achieve distinction in Literature examinations.
Today, four books later and after 36 years of teaching students in Jamaica, China and the United Kingdom, I continue to use stories and poetry to educate, inspire and preserve culture for future generations.
”Great teaching isn’t measured in lessons taught, but in lives lifted, confidence built and generations forever changed.
Childhood Curiosity
Writing stories on fences, notebook margins etc in Jamaica.
Discovering Purpose
Realising teaching and storytelling brought the greatest joy.
Teaching Across Continents
36 years educating students in Jamaica, China and the United Kingdom.
Preserving Jamaican Identity
Creating books that go beyond stereotypes and celebrate authentic culture.
Where Education, Identity and Storytelling Meet
My journey was shaped by chalk dust and children’s questions. For 36 years I stood before children on three continents , watching eyes light up when children saw themselves in stories. However, the real shaping started at my mother’s knees in Spanish Town, where she taught me that every proverb has a deep meaning and every story a moral or lesson.
Teaching through economic shifts, hurricanes, Covid pandemic, different government systems, variety of curricula and the rise of digital media in three continents, showed me a clear pattern: cultural knowledge is easily lost. Students could recite the lyrics of their favourite song, but had little knowledge or understanding of their culture and traditions. They knew Jamaica as a tourist destination, but not as a country built through survival, resistance and innovation. They didn’t know their culture.
A major turning point came in 2021 when I was teaching about Places at a school in Shenzhen,China.I needed to compare Chinese culture with another place in the world. A batchmate and I decided to collaborate. I would share information about Shenzhen and also teach my students about Jamaica. A teacher from the Philippines had also commented that Jamaicans lie in huts and smoke marijuana all day. I realized that I didn’t just need to deliver a syllabus. I was responsible for making sure that generations and people all over the world understand the substance behind the stereotypes. Those experiences and the urgency of cultural continuity are why I write. My first book, ‘My Adventures in Shenzhen’ was written and published and I started writing, ‘My Adventures in Beautiful Jamaica’.
Core values I live by
Honest
Tell the truth and honour my word.
Keep Growing
Continue learning and embracing new experiences.
Care about others
Lead with empathy, kindness and understanding.
Take Responsibility
Own mistakes and grow through them.
Stay Positive
Choose resilience, hope and gratitude.
Fun Facts about me
I create many of my characters from people I have known.
I once ate frog in China and thoroughly enjoyed every bite.
I write down ideas anywhere and everywhere inspiration finds me.
I wrote my very first story, My Pet, at age seven.
I have lived and taught in Jamaica, Britain and China.
I love learning and writing about different countries worldwide.
I am passionate about teaching, having taught children aged three to eighteen.
I wrote my first book while living in Shenzhen, China.
I love children and enjoy playing children’s games with my grandchildren and students.
I enjoy long walks on beaches and parks with family.
The Vision Behind My Books
Celebrating Winnifred’s Contributions to Education, Literature and Culture
Author, veteran educator, speaker and legacy-builder: 36 years of transforming classrooms into legacies that span generations,elevating lives and creating impact beyond the classroom.
- Published the following books: Adventures in Beautiful Jamaica, Mek Wi Go to Jamaica, Fi Mi Jamaica: Land of Wood and Wata, My Adventure in Shenzhen
- Black History Month Workshops at Heath House Preparatory
- World Book Day Assembly – Henry Fawcett Primary
- Online and Face-to-Face Teacher Training Workshops: Jamaica, China and UK
- Book Launch – Bristol and London
- Black History Month Event: Bristol
- Speaker – Mother’s Day Event
- Featured on TVJ morning time programme ‘Smile Jamaica’ – ‘Off The Shelf’ and Bristol Radio Call-In Programme
- Book Events linked to National Curriculum in England and Blended English Curriculum in China