Simone Sobers' passion for education took root early, shaped by the influence of her primary school teacher, Mrs. Roslyn Smith. Known affectionately as "Auntie Rosie" at Vaz Preparatory School, Mrs. Smith devoted her life to nurturing both the minds and character of her students through education and sports. Her example left a lasting impression on Simone, one that would quietly guide her path for decades to come.
Simone Sobers, nee Fisher, went on to attend St. Andrew High School, where her interest in education and her commitment to helping those less fortunate continued to grow. Even as she entered a professional career in education, her focus extended beyond the classroom. Over the years, Simone leveraged her relationships and resources to strengthen support for schools and educational organizations across Jamaica, always with a focus on children who were most at risk of being left behind.
Family and friends who witnessed her unwavering dedication encouraged Simone to formalize the work she had been doing for years. In February 2020, she founded Winsome Wishes for KIDS, naming the organization in honor of her beloved sister, Winsome Kirkland. The foundation reflects Simone's belief that every child deserves access to quality education, and that no two children learn in the same way.
A Leading Advocate for Literacy and Inclusion
Through Winsome Wishes for KIDS, Simone has become a leading advocate for literacy, inclusion, and early intervention in Jamaica. For more than two decades, she has poured her energy into transforming the lives of children, teachers, and families, challenging long-held stigmas around learning differences and special needs education.
One of Simone's most impactful initiatives came in August 2021, when Winsome Wishes for KIDS facilitated the gifting of the UNESCO award-winning Graphogame App to residents across Jamaica. The research-based literacy tool, which requires no internet connection once downloaded, has provided thousands of children with access to reading support that may otherwise have been out of reach.
Beyond technology, Simone has championed early student pre-screenings to identify learning challenges before children fall behind. She has also led teacher training in the science of reading, equipping educators with practical, evidence-based strategies that are changing classroom outcomes. Her work has contributed to measurable results, including two schools supported by the organization being removed from the Ministry of Education's critical schools list.
The wonder of reading — where every page opens a new world for Jamaica's children
Unlocking Potential
Simone's advocacy extends beyond programs and metrics. She has built meaningful partnerships locally and internationally, raising awareness about the importance of early literacy in shaping Jamaica's future.
In October 2024, Winsome Wishes for KIDS hosted its first education conference, focusing on dyslexia, reading outcomes, and executive functioning skills. The momentum continued in October 2025 with the organization's second annual conference, themed Unlocking Potential: Advancing Literacy Through Early Development, Neurodiversity, and Family Empowerment.
The three-day event brought together nearly 200 educators from close to 25 schools across Jamaica, alongside international literacy experts. The goal was clear: improve reading outcomes, support children with learning challenges, and strengthen collaboration between teachers, parents, and schools.
Ms. Grant, Grade 4 Coordinator at May Pen Primary School in Clarendon, reflected on the impact the conference had on her team:
"The teachers would like to express their gratitude for this initiative. They appreciated the depth of information provided, the engaging sessions, and the opportunity to reflect on and unlearn certain practices. The conference was highly reflective and pivotal for educators working with children with learning difficulties."
Community empowerment through education — bringing books to children who need them most
A Legacy of Service
Simone's service did not begin with Winsome Wishes for KIDS.
For more than 40 years, she has given back to Jamaica in countless ways, including mentoring students from St. Andrew High School and other institutions through to college, and donating thousands of gently used children's storybooks to schools across the island for over 15 years.
Her work has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Simone was named one of the Book Industry Association of Jamaica's inaugural Literacy Heroes. She has also been nominated for the Saint Award by St. Andrew High School in recognition of her service and contributions, and has been named one of the school's Centenary Trailblazers for 2026.
Despite these accolades, Simone remains grounded in service rather than recognition. She is driven by innovation, compassion, and a desire to leave a legacy of hope. Through Winsome Wishes for KIDS, she continues to create opportunities where none existed, touching lives and strengthening Jamaica's educational future.
Simone encourages others to join her on this journey, guided by the organization's motto: "Here to help whomever, whenever and wherever possible."