Teen finds purpose in writing books

Single mother Lakisha Bartley often looked at her daughter and saw a second chance at the dream she never had the opportunity to pursue.

“I was a talented young girl growing up, but I was not given the opportunities or tools to become successful. Not because my mother didn’t believe in me, but back then it wasn’t so easy for her to get the resources that were necessary to propel me to the next level,” the 37-year-old recalled.

“What I did was cultivate that same talent in my daughter. I have been moulding it and now I have seen where it is in full bloom. When I saw how talented and bright she was, I made a vow that the opportunities I didn’t get, I would create them for her.”

That promise has since blossomed into 15-year-old Deanashaé Delisser, an Immaculate Conception High School student who has already published five books — Talk Like A Yardie, My Jamaican Colouring Book, Creative Approach to Writing, and Island Word Fun Volumes 1 and 2. The books are designed to introduce readers in Jamaica and across the globe to the island’s language and culture.

Deanashaé recently showcased her publications at the Christmas in July trade show, where demand quickly outstripped supply.

“We had to take order forms because we simply couldn’t afford to print more,” Bartley said.

Behind the success, however, is a story of sacrifice.

Bartley described 2023 as one of the most difficult years of their lives. After receiving notice to vacate the apartment they were renting, she decided to pool together all her resources and start building her own home.

“I discussed with her that the money I had put aside for her education, we had to use it to finish the house. She was young, but she understood and agreed,” she said.

The decision meant there was little left for school expenses.

“I couldn’t even buy her textbooks,” Bartley admitted. “She told me, ‘Mommy, don’t worry yourself. I’ll do my best even if I don’t get the books.’”

Paying for extra lessons proved just as challenging. Although one of Deanashaé’s Grade Six teachers secured a free Saturday class, even transportation costs became a hurdle.

“I couldn’t even find the fare to send her,” Bartley said. “She insisted that I shouldn’t stress it and said, ‘Save that money for Monday instead.’”

Instead of missing out, Deanashaé developed her own strategy. Each Monday, she copied the work that had been left on the classroom board from the Saturday sessions and completed the lessons independently.

Her determination paid off.

“When she got her PEP results, she was top girl. She got the JAG Scholarship, one of the elite scholarships for the top children in the country,” Bartley said. “We gave all glory and honour to God because it just showed how remarkable He is.”

After earning a place at Immaculate Conception High School through PEP, Deanashaé moved with her mother from St James to Portmore, St Catherine. The transition meant adjusting to a new school, a new community and leaving behind the small business she had started while attending Chetwood Memorial Primary School in Montego Bay.

Rather than seeing it as a setback, she channelled her energy into writing.

“I write books that are catered towards people learning about Jamaican culture, background, history and things that happen in Jamaica. I have these books published on Amazon so that people all over the world can have access to them,” she said.