As families across Jamaica prepare for the new
school year, the Digicel Foundation is helping to ease the financial burden of back-to-
school preparations, delivering more than 500 backpacks filled with essential school
supplies to students across selected schools, special needs institutions and community
groups.
The annual initiative is part of the Digicel Foundation’s continued commitment to
education and community development. This year, the programme takes on added
significance for families in western Jamaica, where more than 300 of the 500-plus
students receiving support were affected by the Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.
Each backpack was packed with care by members of the Digicel Foundation team and
included practical supplies such as books, pencils, pens, colouring books, geometry
sets and rulers, items designed to help students return to the classroom prepared and
ready to learn.
For Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels, the initiative is about standing with
families at a time when they need support most. “We know how difficult this time of the
year is for many parents, especially those in the West who have to add back-to-school
expenses to the many challenges they are already facing after experiencing a Category
5 hurricane. As a Foundation committed to education and community development, we
wanted to play our part.”
Among the beneficiaries was the Catherine Hall Special Education Unit in St. James,
where the Special Needs Unit Coordinator Marsha Rigg-Kerr expressed gratitude for
the Foundation’s continued support of students with special needs. “Every year, our
parents can count on the Digicel Foundation to lend a helping hand where back-to-
school supplies are concerned. As you know, many of our students were impacted by
the hurricane, so these supplies are very much welcomed. They will make a meaningful
difference to our students and their families and we are truly thankful to the Digicel
Foundation for continuing to support our children.”
The Digicel Foundation continues to work with schools, community organisations and
other partners to identify opportunities where targeted assistance can have a direct and
meaningful impact on children and communities.
Jamaica Highlights 