In celebration of Read Across Jamaica Day, Pizza Hut Jamaica visited Ocho Rios Primary and Breadnut Hill Primary Schools, engaging students and their teachers in interactive storytelling and literacy activities.

Beyond their signature pizzas, the team delivered the gift of storytelling, attention, and love. The reading sessions were spearheaded by Pizza Hut Marketing Officer Levene Sheriff and her colleagues, Restaurant Supervisors Nadine Barriffe, Sandre Rose, and Natoya Grier. 

Titles such as My Senses, It’s Snowing, It’s Raining, Along the Beach, and classic Anancy stories from the Rainbow Readers series formed the basis of the day’s activities. However, the delivery made the content more meaningful for students. Through animated storytelling, infectious energy, and a commitment to literacy, the team turned simple everyday readings into interactive performances. 

Students listened intently, joined in cheerful sing-alongs of Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, and enthusiastically volunteered to read aloud and respond to questions. While many were excited about the opportunity to win small prizes, the real reward was the individual attention, affirmation, and encouragement they received from the Pizza Hut team. For some, this marked the first time they read aloud in front of peers, which boosted confidence and pride.

“It’s appreciated because not all of them are at the reading level they should be, but this kind of stimulation motivates them. The students put out their best when visitors come. They enjoy themselves and truly engage,” said Miss Allen, Ocho Rios Primary Grade Four teacher.

At Breadnut Hill Primary, where few corporate visitors venture due to its remote location, the presence of a national brand like Pizza Hut made a significant impact.

“Pizza Hut being here is really awesome,” said Sherrone Minott, Breadnut Hill Primary School Principal. “Not many companies, especially those involving food, come all the way here, but pizza is loved by our students, and this initiative adds real value. It helps children see reading as something fun and important.”

As a token of appreciation, both schools received a Pizza Hut gift voucher to support their Child`s Month celebrations. This gesture recognised their ongoing commitment to literacy and the critical role educators play in shaping young minds.

“Some of our students struggle with reading but seeing Pizza Hut take the time to sit and read with them encourages them. It makes them want to try harder,” shared Melissa Boiled, Grade 5B teacher at Breadnut Hill Primary.

“Our mission is not just to serve food, it’s to serve communities. Today wasn’t about brand visibility; it was about building connections. When a child looks up at you with a book and joy on their face, you realise the real reward isn’t in the pizza we serve, but in the moments, we help to create. That’s what Read Across Jamaica Day is all about,” said Ms. Levene Sheriff, Marketing Officer.

For Pizza Hut, the event was a reminder of its role beyond food service as a partner in community upliftment and youth development because “every child can learn, and every child must learn.”