Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation assists students

Scotiabank, through the Scotiabank Jamaica Foundation, has provided critical back-to-school support to more than 2,000 families.

The initiative saw incoming grade six students at 31 primary schools receiving book vouchers, backpacks and notebooks, representing an investment of approximately $22 million.

"To help ease financial pressure, Scotiabank was proud to provide tangible relief to families as they prepared their children for success in the classroom," said Yanique Forbes Patrick, regional director, Caribbean corporate affairs, Scotiabank. "We take immense pride in fulfilling our responsibility to the communities we serve and in making meaningful contributions to Jamaica's youth."

Two back-to-school treats were hosted under the programme at Holy Family Primary and Infant School in Kingston and Barracks Road Primary School in St James. The activities included rides and refreshments for students, as well as financial tips for the parents and guardians in attendance. Scotiabank employee volunteers across the institution's branches also coordinated the distribution of vouchers and supplies at 29 additional schools. Each student beneficiary received a $5,000 book voucher along with their school package.

Phillipa Williams-McGregory, principal of Holy Family, said the support from the Scotia Foundation has helped to lift a tremendous burden for many families within the school community.

"Our students are excited and motivated to return to class with the tools they need to learn, and we are grateful for the Scotia Foundation's continued support," she said. The Laws Street-based educational facility receives consistent support from the Scotiabank Foundation and Scotiabank's employee volunteers in the form of reading sessions, beautification projects and the donation of educational material. The Foundation is also financing a three-year programme aimed at improving the literacy and numeracy levels of the school's most vulnerable students while providing support to their parents and guardians. The programme, which is commencing its second year, is being executed by Project STAR.

Scotiabank's back-to-school programme forms part of its yearly anniversary celebration. This year the bank is celebrating 136 years of serving Jamaica. In addition to Holy Family, and Barracks Road, other beneficiary schools are: Keith Primary, Ocho Rios Primary, Alley Primary, Moravia Primary, Edward Seaga Primary, Constant Spring Primary and Junior High, St Andrew Primary, Dunrobin Primary, Mona Heights Primary, St Francis Primary, St George's Girls Primary, August Town Primary, John's Hall Primary, Glendevon Primary, Wakefield Primary, Leeds Primary, Mayfield Primary, Braeton Primary, St Catherine Primary, Linstead Primary, Villa Road Primary, Lucea Primary, Bath Primary, Revival Primary, Norwich Primary, Oracabessa Primary, Steer Town Primary, Cairn Curran Primary, and Ferris Primary.