Let’s Get Colouring: How I Turned a Simple Idea Into Impact for Children

In 2020, when the world slowed down, children didn’t just lose routines—they lost connection, stimulation, and in many cases, a sense of joy.

And I kept thinking: what can I do, with what I already have, that can reach them now?

That question is what led me to create the #LetsGetColouring campaign.

Where It Started

At the time, I had just published and launched my own Jamaican workbook for children entitled created Chat Tu Mi & Colour. This book was rooted in language, culture, and creative expression.

What I realized quickly is that this wasn’t just a book, but rather a tool that can be used to help to solve a problem and fill a gap.

A tool to:

• Help children process what they were feeling

• Keep them engaged in a meaningful way

• Introduce or reinforce Jamaican language and culture

• Create moments of connection between children and their families

So I decided to act.

Turning an Idea Into a Campaign

#LetsGetColouring started with a simple goal: get activity packs into the hands of children who needed them most.

Not just to “keep them busy”—but to support their mental and emotional well-being during a very uncertain time.

Through partnerships, donations, and community support, we were able to distribute hundreds of colouring books and activity kits to:

• Schools

• Children’s homes

• Underserved communities

And what stood out to me immediately was this: the response wasn’t just appreciation—it was relief.

Parents were grateful. Caregivers were grateful. And the children? They were engaged, expressive, and excited.

That’s when I knew this was bigger than a campaign.

More Than Colouring

One of the most important things for me was making sure this wasn’t just about colouring inside lines.

It had to mean something.

So every page was intentional—integrating Jamaican proverbs, language, and cultural references in a way that children could understand and enjoy.

Because I’ve always believed this:If we want children to value our culture, we have to introduce it to them early—and in ways that feel natural.

That belief is also what guided my advocacy work around Jamaican as a language. This campaign became another way to reinforce that mission—meeting children where they are.

“Colour With Aunty Ama”

As the campaign grew, I wanted to go beyond distribution and create interaction.

That’s how Colour With Aunty Ama was born.

These were live, virtual sessions where children could:

• Colour together in real time

• Learn Jamaican expressions and proverbs

• Share their work and build confidence

• Connect with other children locally and in the diaspora

And for me, this part was special.

Because it wasn’t just about teaching—it was about creating a space where children felt seen, heard, and connected.

The Impact

What started as a response to a moment turned into something much bigger than I anticipated.

The campaign:

• Reached over a million people through media and community engagement

• Engaged hundreds of children directly through distributions and sessions

• Created a bridge between Jamaican children at home and those in the diaspora

  
  

But beyond the numbers, the real impact was in the stories.

The parent who said their child finally had something to look forward to each week.The child who proudly shared their work on screen.The families who used colouring time as bonding time.

That’s the part you don’t quantify—but it’s the part that matters most.

Why This Work Matters

I don’t see #LetsGetColouring as a one-time initiative.

I see it as proof.

Proof that:

• You can create impact with what you already have

• Culture can be taught in simple, creative ways

• Children respond when you give them something meaningful

And most importantly—you don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to start something powerful.

Sometimes, you just need an idea, intention, and the willingness to act.

Additional Reading

If you want to explore more about the campaign and its impact, here are a few features:

• Jamaica Observer: Let’s Get Colouring campaign aims to combat child COVID-19 stress

• Jamaica Gleaner: Let’s Get Colouring campaign helping children combat stress and anxiety

• Jamaica Observer: Let’s Get Colouring initiative gets rave reviews from parents and participants

• Our Today: Let’s Get Colouring gets gold star from parents and participants

• Jamaica Observer: Jamaican volunteer receives Commonwealth Points of Light Award

  
  

This campaign is one of the clearest reminders for me that the work I do sits at the intersection of culture, communication, and impact.

And I’m just getting started.