Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, has commended Youths for Excellence Limited for providing back to school assistance to students of the Cockburn Gardens Primary and Junior High School.
More than 36 students from the Hagley Park Road based school, received items such as computer tablets, bus passes for two months, three months’ supply of food, as well as comprehensive health checks free of cost.
Speaking at the organisation back to school event held at Jamaica House on August 29, Mrs. Williams said the assistance is welcomed by parents who face the daunting task of outfitting children with the necessary school supplies, uniforms, transportation and food.
“Through the philanthropic work of entities such as Youths for Excellence Limited and their partners, so many students can start the new school year on a firm footing,” she said.
She noted that education remains one of the main avenues through which children can self- actualize and achieve their dreams.
“The education of our young people is paramount in the creation of a robust and productive workforce, as it lays the preparatory groundwork for tomorrow’s nation builders,” Mrs Williams said.
“This Youth for Excellence back to school event will afford young people to participate in another year of scholastic endeavours through the provision of medical services and school supplies,” she added.
Meanwhile, Founder and Principal Director of Youths for Excellence Limited, Jénine Shepherd expressed appreciation to the various stakeholders, who assisted with the back to school activities for the students.
“There is no Vision 2030 without our youth and I am glad that both the private and public sectors, by the fact that they support this event, realize [this fact],” Ms Shepherd said.
She also informed that she is seeking to establish a scholarship fund for children from low- income backgrounds.
“It makes no sense for them to do well on their exams and then not be able to attend high school. We need to change this narrative,” Ms Shepherd stated.
The Non-Governmental Organisation is also seeking to establish a homework centre in the Grants Pen community. The centre will facilitate workshops and provide assistance in the procurement of birth certificates and passports.
Ms Shepherd also revealed her organisation hopes to establish the entity like a school in Jamaica and overseas.
“We hope to become a school with all the amenities a child could dream of catering solely to children of low-income backgrounds,” she said.
Youths for Excellence Limited has assisted over 250 students attending Cockburn Gardens Primary and Junior High, and Franklin Town and Pembroke Hall Primary schools.
Sponsors include Digicel, Logo Stitch Manufacturing Limited, Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Limited, Palisadoes Health Services Limited and GraceKennedy Group.
By: Rochelle Williams
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