GoodHeart | Joel Nomdarkham inspires Caribbean youth, one book at a time
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 5:00 PMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
Joel Nomdarkham’s launch of his first children’s book, Future Makers: A Guide to 30 Creative Careers, last month, is more than a personal milestone – it’s his way of inspiring Caribbean youth, one book at a time.
Released on January 12 to coincide with his 31st birthday, Nomdarkham hopes the book will resonate with and inspire the nation’s youth and future generations.
A philanthropist at heart, he has spent the last decade in media as a former host of Television Jamaica’s daytime LIVE! and has since transitioned into marketing and social impact. However, he says nothing is as fulfilling as contributing to society through writing.
“I’ve always wanted to create something that could inspire young people to see the vast possibilities in creative careers. Growing up, I didn’t know what most creative jobs were called, and I realised many kids face the same challenge. This book is my way of bridging that gap and opening their eyes to new opportunities,” Nomdarkham told GoodHeart.
Nomdarkham shared that publishing this new book fills him with a new hope and purpose. Knowing that this book can empower young minds and make a tangible difference in their lives is incredibly fulfilling.
“I believe in driving purposeful content, so being able to do this, authentically, is a great feeling,” he added.
While launching this book may be his debut as an author, his passion for reading and literacy led him to establish Reading N’ Reasoning in 2022.
When asked why he chose to go the route of writing to reach the Caribbean’s youth, Nomdarkham said “... Many Caribbean children and youth remain unaware of careers in the creative industries, often choosing traditional paths over creative ones.”
He further explained that this gap persists despite the creative economy’s global Gross Domestic Product contribution of three per cent, and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
“Limited access to resources and programmes showcasing these opportunities hinders youth empowerment. Addressing this issue is key to equipping the next generation with skills to sustain the Caribbean’s cultural legacy and drive economic resilience.”
Future Makers: A Guide to 30 Creative Careers is the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, which introduces young readers to diverse creative careers – from filmmaking to fashion – while providing insights from real Caribbean creative professionals spread across eight Caribbean islands. The book also features embedded videos with sign language interpretation and is designed for the inclusion of children living with disabilities.
For 2025, Nomdarkham wants to collaborate with more regional partners, engaging with schools and libraries across the Caribbean through interactive activities designed to inspire and empower students, “These [would] include school tours featuring career workshops, storytelling sessions, and hands-on discussions about creative industries.”
He went on, “In collaboration with our partners, we aim to ignite the imaginations of young minds, guiding them toward exciting careers in creative industries through inspiring and relatable success stories.”
So far, Nomdarkham’s reading road trip and book tour has included visits to Ocho Rios Primary and his alma mater, Hope Valley Experimental, with many more stops planned. Upcoming visits include Jessie Ripoll Primary School, Danny Williams School for the Deaf, St George’s Girls Primary School, Villa Road Primary School, Seaforth Primary School, as well as the St Ann Parish Library and St James Parish Library.
Regionally, the tour will expand to schools and libraries in Barbados.
“Every child deserves the chance to dream big and see themselves in careers that align with their talents and passions. The Caribbean is full of untapped potential, and this book can spark ideas and build confidence for a brighter future. Doing my project over the last two years also shows that book-gifting is no longer a major thing, as the students would always ask if they’re allowed to keep the books we donate. I want to change that,” he said.