Help Us Build a Brighter Future Through Creativity and Financial Literacy in Grenada!

For the past 10 years, Grenada has faced a troubling decline in math scores, with students struggling to grasp foundational concepts critical to academic and career success. In 2012, the CSEC math pass rate stood at just 32.3%. Though it rose slightly to 43.56% in 2020, it fell again to 34.98% in 2021 and 33.44% in 2022. The trend continued with a pass rate of 38.89% in 2023 and a further decrease to 34.98% in 2024. These aren’t just numbers—they are a wake-up call. These statistics highlight ongoing challenges in math education that demand our attention.

Financial literacy rates tell a similar story. In my PhD dissertation in Financial Management, a 2022 survey I conducted with a 71% response rate revealed that only 47.4% of Grenadian small business owners demonstrated basic financial literacy. This is notably lower than the regional average of 61%, as reported by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

These numbers reflect everyday struggles—families trying to make ends meet, children fearful of math, adults overwhelmed by money management. But what if we could change that?

Welcome to Patois Creative Studio

Patois Creative Studio is a vibrant startup transforming how we learn and live—through crafting. We’re blending art, education, and wellness to provide creative, hands-on learning experiences that equip children and adults with the tools to succeed in real life.

What We’re Doing Now:

• Crafty Math

Designed for children and teens, this workshop series teaches core math skills through fun, memorable, and engaging crafts. From basket weaving and polymer clay to measuring with yarn or building with 3D-printed pieces, math becomes something to touch, build, and believe in.

• Crafty Cash Flow

For adults, we make financial literacy fun and empowering. Our sessions include vision board creation, mock budgeting, and Excel tools that turn financial anxiety into action. Whether it's understanding spending habits or planning for the future, these workshops are for everyone.

• Jewellery Design That Fuels the Dream

In addition to our workshops, Patois Creative Studio proudly designs and sells handcrafted jewellery to generate income and showcase our creative range. Each piece—whether made from polymer clay, UV resin, or recycled materials—is more than just an accessory; it’s a symbol of what’s possible when art meets purpose.

These creations help sustain the studio while also reflecting the vision and artistry of me, the founder, whose background fuses academic excellence with bold, expressive design. Through earrings, pendants, bracelets, and more, we demonstrate the very skills we aim to teach—resourcefulness, creativity, and craftsmanship.

Every purchase supports our mission and shines a light on the possibilities of creative entrepreneurship in Grenada. Check out our progress so far at www.patoiscreative.com on on Instagram @patois_creative

And this is only the beginning.

Our Bigger Vision: The Aftercare Innovation Hub

With your support, we aim to grow Patois Creative Studio into a one-of-a-kind aftercare and wellness facility—a creative haven for kids and adults alike. Here’s what your donation will help build:

• A Safe and Reliable Company Bus

This essential service will transport children from school to the studio for aftercare and, later in the evenings, provide safe rides home for patrons—especially seniors—who attend adult workshops but may lack access to transport at night.

• Homework Help & Academic Support

A quiet, welcoming area where students can get the support they need to complete school assignments, build confidence, and develop positive study habits in a creative environment.

• Music Room for Creative Growth

A dedicated space for children to explore instruments, rhythm, and sound—helping to strengthen motor skills, discipline, self-esteem, and emotional well-being while encouraging joyful self-expression.

• Multi-Purpose Activity Room

Designed for interactive board games, small skit performances, and collaborative play—fostering imagination, teamwork, and communication in a relaxed setting.

• Cozy Cafeteria with a Purpose

Serving hot, nutritious meals to children after school and ready-made dinners for parents on pick-up. This space will also host fun and educational cooking and baking workshops for kids and adults alike.

• Fully Stocked Craft Room

Outfitted with 3D printers, UV resin, yarn, clay, and more—where creativity thrives, and participants of all ages can explore modern and traditional crafting techniques.

• Modest Playground and Learning Garden

An outdoor space where kids can play, unwind, and learn about growing food, encouraging physical activity and early lessons in sustainability and healthy living.

By night, the studio transforms for adults:

• Financial literacy workshops, like MS Excel training, budgeting, investing, etc.

• Craft and wellness nights, where adults and seniors can socialize and create in a comfortable space for painting, knitting, pottery, and more.

This is about more than a building. It’s about a multi-generational hub of learning, creativity, and community—filling gaps in education, well-being, and connection.

Why We Need Angel Investors Like You

We’ve already received amazing support from friends, family, and the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs. We’re also grateful to Clarke’s Court Rum Distillery for donating bottles and cardboard for our upcycling workshops—a beautiful boost to our sustainability mission: reuse, repurpose, and recycle.

But to fully realize our dream, we need additional support to:

• Purchase more materials and technology

• Purchase land and build facilities

• Furnish and equip learning zones

• Acquire our own bus

• Hire and train skilled and passionate staff

• Offer full programming for both our youth and adults

Why Me, Dr. Zanifa Payne?

With over 12 years of teaching experience in higher education, a PhD in financial management, a master’s in actuarial science, and a master’s in finance, I have spent my career bridging the gap between knowledge and application. My deep understanding of both financial management and creative learning provides a unique perspective to address Grenada's challenges in education and financial literacy.

As the founder of Patois Creative Studio, I am committed to using my expertise to create a lasting impact on the community, guiding both young learners and adults toward more creative, empowered futures.

Help Us Build a Solid Foundation for the Future

Your support doesn’t just help us grow—it helps us build a sustainable future for Patois Creative Studio and the communities we serve. By contributing to our vision, you’re allowing us to create a self-sustaining model that ensures long-term success.

Our goal is not only to become a profitable venture but also to create the capacity to reach underserved communities across the island, providing free creative experiences to children who need them the most. With your help, we aim to expand our reach by building another similar facility in the northern part of the island or even franchising the model to neighboring Caribbean islands. This will enable us to continue raising the bar for math education and financial literacy, making a meaningful difference in the lives of families across the region.

Together, we can ensure that the future of Grenada is filled with creativity, financial empowerment, and a love of learning.

Help Us Spark Change

If you like what we craft,

Drop a tip on our path!

Coins, bills, or checks—

Your kindness truly connects!

Every contribution—big or small—helps us rewrite the story of education and wellness in Grenada.

You’re not just supporting a studio; you’re investing in a brighter, more creative, more financially literate future.

Let’s show the world how creativity can change lives—

One craft, one child, one family at a time.

With deep gratitude,

Dr. Zanifa Payne

Founder, Patois Creative Studio