GREAT BAY--The Men’s Mental Health Awareness Foundation (MMHA Foundation) has announced the cancellation of its 5th Annual Interscholastic Spoken Word Competition due to insufficient participation from schools across the Dutch side of St. Maarten.
The Foundation said the decision was not made lightly, noting that the competition has served as more than an annual event since its introduction in 2022. It was created to provide young boys with a safe and empowering space to express themselves, build confidence, strengthen communication skills and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and life experiences.
MMHA said it is disappointed that participation did not reach the level required to move forward with this year’s competition, particularly after several years of feedback from schools and efforts by the Foundation to adjust the event to better accommodate their needs.
Since launching the competition, MMHA said it has maintained communication with schools and considered recommendations and concerns raised by school boards, management teams, teachers and other stakeholders.
The competition was traditionally held in May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. However, based on feedback from schools concerning Carnival activities and examinations for sixth-grade students, who formed the primary target group, MMHA moved the event to October in observance of World Mental Health Day. The change also created an opportunity for fifth-grade boys to participate.
The Foundation said the October scheduling was specifically intended to address concerns raised by schools and increase participation.
MMHA also changed its outreach strategy this year. Instead of depending mainly on emails and telephone calls, the Foundation prepared and personally delivered written invitation letters to all schools across the Dutch side of St. Maarten.
However, during follow-up calls, MMHA said some schools indicated that the letters had not been received. The Foundation acknowledged that administrative challenges can occur, but said the experience raised concerns about how communications and opportunities intended for schools are received, distributed and handled.
President of the Men’s Mental Health Awareness Foundation Ahmad “Ahmiie” Gumbs said the outcome was especially discouraging because the Foundation had spent years responding to concerns and attempting to make the platform more accessible.
“It is deeply discouraging to reach this point, especially when we have spent years listening to our schools, adjusting our approach, changing dates, improving communication, and doing everything within our ability to make this platform accessible,” Gumbs said.
“We often hear conversations on social media about young people not having enough positive extracurricular activities or opportunities. Yet here we have a platform specifically designed for our youth that carries absolutely no financial burden on the child, the parents, or the school. All we ask is that our young people be given the opportunity to participate.”
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The competition is fully supported through sponsors and partners, meaning participating students and schools do not have to cover registration or participation costs.
MMHA said initiatives such as the spoken word competition are important at a time when young people need positive outlets for self-expression, creativity, confidence-building and conversations about emotional and mental well-being.
Although the competition has been cancelled, two students who had already committed themselves to the program will still be given an opportunity to perform.
The young men, representing Prins Willem Alexander Primary School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School, had already begun preparing their spoken-word pieces and investing time and effort into the competition.
MMHA said both students will be invited to present their pieces directly to the Foundation and will be recognized for their commitment. They will also receive the gifts and prizes already secured for the competition, valued at approximately US $3,000.
“Their dedication deserves to be recognized, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the cancellation,” the Foundation said.
MMHA stressed that the cancellation will not end its efforts to create and support initiatives focused on the mental health and development of young people.
Gumbs encouraged school boards and management teams to consider the potential impact of opportunities that may appear simple but can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
“We encourage school boards and management teams not to overlook simple platforms like this. Sometimes it does not take a large program or a major financial investment to make a difference in the life of a young person. Sometimes all a child needs is an opportunity, a microphone, an audience, and someone willing to listen,” he said.
The Foundation remains committed to promoting mental health awareness, encouraging open conversations and creating opportunities for men, boys, families and communities.
MMHA has already announced its intention to bring back the Interscholastic Spoken Word Competition on May 29, 2027, with lessons from the 2026 experience expected to help shape the next edition.
The Foundation also thanked its sponsors, businesses, organizations, school representatives, volunteers, parents, educators and individuals who supported the planned 2026 competition.
MMHA said the support received was not in vain and demonstrated that there are members of the community willing to invest in opportunities centered on youth development, mental health, self-expression and empowerment.
The Foundation encouraged the public to remain connected with its upcoming initiatives and mental health awareness activities through its Facebook page.
