FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR RELEASES 37 JAMAICAN PRISONERS FOR CHRISTMAS & ASSISTS WITH INFRASTRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENT AT THE PRISONS
Kingston, Jamaica – December 19, 2013: Thirty-seven Jamaican inmates, who were incarcerated for minor offences, have been released in time to spend Christmas with their families after the charity, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, paid their outstanding fines. The releases were conducted on Wednesday, December 11 and Friday, December 13. The Jamaican Prison Release forms part of FFP’s international Prison Ministry Programme, which will see 140 prisoners being set free in the region, in time to spend Christmas with their loved ones.
Among prisoners who benefited were thirty-three from St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, three from Fort Augusta Adult Correctional Centre which serves incarcerated women, and one from Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre. Food For the Poor provided each released prisoner with a stipend to cover transportation and lunch, as well as a gift package containing toiletries.
Additionally, FFP has just completed a major renovation and rededication of the Chapel at St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.
Robin Mahfood, President and CEO, FFP Inc. based in Florida, United States of America, visited the island to witness the Christmas Prison Release and Rededication of the Chapel at St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre on Friday. He shared words of encouragement with the prisoners: “When my brother Ferdie started Food For The Poor, he said he saw God working in his life and he wanted to make a difference in the life of the poor. Over the years, you the beneficiaries have been a blessing to us. We are here to bless each other and we are very proud to help in the little that we do. Between now and Christmas Eve, 140 prisoners will be released in Jamaica, Honduras, Haiti and Guyana and will be free to spend Christmas with their families. They will now be able to understand the grace of God.”
He expressed the commitment of his organization to continue to carry out transformational work in the lives of prisoners and prisons, “We will continue to carry out this mission because we recognize that God is merciful and He is a God of second chances.”
Those inmates who were liberated because of the kindness of FFP had been behind bars because of an inability to pay the fines associated with charges such as Simple Larceny, Traffic Offences, Unlawful Wounding and Breaches of the Copyright Act. Most of the inmates were overcome with a range of emotions ranging between crying, screams of joy and loud applause, as they prepared to depart their respective penal institutions.
A 33-year-old inmate at St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre who originates from St Andrew reflected on his time behind bars: “My family didn’t have the money to pay the fine. My mother took sick a few days after I was arrested and I blame myself every day for that. I pray a lot just asking God to help me out of this situation and to help my mother get well.” He was incarcerated for his inability to pay the fine for driving a vehicle which was not insured.
When asked what was the first thing he was going to do now that he has regained his freedom, the ex-inmate said, “When my mom got sick, everybody said it was because of what happened to me. I am going straight to the hospital to visit my mother…all because of Food For The Poor…now I can spend Christmas with her. Words are not enough to say thanks to you for what you have done.”
Another inmate who was in prison on wounding charges, gushed with joy at his new found freedom: “When I heard that I was leaving, I felt relieved, happy and stress free. I really give thanks for Food For The Poor…for giving me the second chance I thought would never receive. I appreciate what you have done for me and my fellow inmates.” During the rededication ceremony for the Chapel, this inmate was specially acknowledged for his contribution to the refurbishing of the Chapel.
A twenty-one year old mother of two young children, who had been at the Fort Augusta prison for three weeks, shared her reaction to her new freedom: “It is my first time in prison and I am the first one in the family to be in this situation. I am sorry for what I have done and God really answers prayers, so that I am leaving very soon. In the same way that Food For The Poor has helped me, I am wiling to volunteer and help others through the work of Food For The Poor.”
FFP’s prison releases are conducted twice a year during Christmas and Easter. In 2012, a total of 48 inmates were released in Jamaica. Since the inception of FFP’s Prison Ministry Programme, the charity has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing non-violent inmates into communities as productive citizens. The ex-inmates are offered opportunities for income generation under FFP’s Fresh Start Programme.
In regards to the Chapel at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, it was built by FFP in 2000, and was this month extensively refurbished. The charity provided the material and the inmates did the work, which included: tiling, replacement of defective doors and windows, installation of modern sanitary conveniences and the construction of a baptismal pool. The Chapel, which can accommodate 500 prisoners at one time, is used by the institution as a multi-purpose centre.
FFP has also installed computers at Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre for inmates, and is implementing a Tree House Project at Richmond Farm Adult Correctional Centre. This project will be a nursery for fruit trees. The charity has also donated musical instruments to the prisons.
Commissioner of Corrections, Javene Bent, commended FFP for its ongoing transformation programmes for prisoners. “I have been Commissioner for just under six months now and everywhere I go, every penal institution I visit, all I hear is Food For The Poor. Your signature is all over this country,” declared Commissioner Bent. “We have had many partners over the years but Food For The Poor stands out not only in terms of material provision to the prisons and inmates but also the spiritual component that you bring. Thank you very much…May God continue to bless you and expand your boundaries.”
She encouraged the ex-inmates to work at improving the quality of their lives: “To lose your freedom is not a good thing but use your experience while here to influence someone to be a better person. Those who are leaving, don’t come back.”
The prisoners also received encouragement from Father Dick Martin of Christ The King Church, Virginia, USA, who is an Advocate/Donor with FFP Inc. “You have a great future ahead and you can shine even brighter than you are already doing.”
-End-
Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States.
It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica is the largest charity organization in Jamaica that provides relief in the areas of housing, food, medical, water, sanitation, education, agriculture, outreach and micro-enterprise.
Thursday 19 December 2013
Monday 16 December 2013
MEDIA RELEASE - FOOD FOR THE POOR & SALVATION ARMY CONTINUE CHRISTMAS TRADITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR & SALVATION ARMY CONTINUE CHRISTMAS TRADITION
Over 2000 Feted During Annual Christmas Treat
Kingston, Jamaica – December 16, 2013: It has been a joyful and memorable holiday season for 2000 of the country’s indigent, elderly and homeless individuals, thanks to Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, in partnership with the Salvation Army.
Both charities once again joined forces to reach out to the most vulnerable within the society through the annual Christmas Treat, which was held on Thursday, December 12 at Emmet Park in Kingston.
Drawn from various communities primarily in Kingston and St. Andrew, the beneficiaries, included street people served daily through the Salvation Army feeding programme. They were treated last Thursday to a hot meal, lively entertainment and gift packages consisting of basic food items and toiletries.
“Food For The Poor’s mission and vision is to reach out to those who are materially poor and to renew the poor in spirit. This annual Christmas treat is just one way in which we execute this mission,” said Mrs. Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, FFP Jamaica. “It gives us great joy to partner with the Salvation Army and other volunteers to demonstrate to the less fortunate that we do care about their well-being not just at Christmas but throughout the year. We also recognize that this gesture takes on added significance especially during this festive season,” she added.
Mrs. Johnson also pointed out that FFP has been collaborating with the Salvation Army for over twenty years to provide daily meals for the homeless in Kingston through their street-feeding programme. She said that the charity continues to supply a number of schools and community groups across the island with food items, enabling them to provide hot, nutritious meals for the needy.
“This year, in our Christmas Treat for street people and the indigent, we increased our target to 2000 because we wanted to reach out to as many persons as possible especially during this season of giving,” Mrs. Johnson added. Several volunteers came on board this year to assist with the day’s proceedings. They included Jamaica College, St. Georges College, Red Stripe, Kingston College, Wisynco, Scotiabank and Tank-Weld.
The beneficiaries had many words of commendation for Food For The Poor. An elderly homeless man remarked, “ I glad to get this food and gift from Food For The Poor, may God continue to bless them.”
Sixty-three year old Velma Smith, unemployed resident of Seaview Gardens, echoed similar sentiments: “I appreciate every thing very much and I thank them for doing this for us. The gift package was the best part for me. The food was also very delicious. I get fish and curry goat because I don’t eat chicken and that made me feel very special.”
Each year, during the month of December, Food For The Poor supports and organizes a number of Christmas Treats across the island for Children’s Homes, the elderly and the homeless.
The Charity kicked things off last Monday, December 9, when eleven elderly residents were treated from the Christian Care Nursing Home in Kingston while over 185 residents and 30 caregivers from clusters D, B and G were feted at the Golden Age Home on December 11.
-End-
Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR & SALVATION ARMY CONTINUE CHRISTMAS TRADITION
Over 2000 Feted During Annual Christmas Treat
Kingston, Jamaica – December 16, 2013: It has been a joyful and memorable holiday season for 2000 of the country’s indigent, elderly and homeless individuals, thanks to Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica, in partnership with the Salvation Army.
Both charities once again joined forces to reach out to the most vulnerable within the society through the annual Christmas Treat, which was held on Thursday, December 12 at Emmet Park in Kingston.
Drawn from various communities primarily in Kingston and St. Andrew, the beneficiaries, included street people served daily through the Salvation Army feeding programme. They were treated last Thursday to a hot meal, lively entertainment and gift packages consisting of basic food items and toiletries.
“Food For The Poor’s mission and vision is to reach out to those who are materially poor and to renew the poor in spirit. This annual Christmas treat is just one way in which we execute this mission,” said Mrs. Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, FFP Jamaica. “It gives us great joy to partner with the Salvation Army and other volunteers to demonstrate to the less fortunate that we do care about their well-being not just at Christmas but throughout the year. We also recognize that this gesture takes on added significance especially during this festive season,” she added.
Mrs. Johnson also pointed out that FFP has been collaborating with the Salvation Army for over twenty years to provide daily meals for the homeless in Kingston through their street-feeding programme. She said that the charity continues to supply a number of schools and community groups across the island with food items, enabling them to provide hot, nutritious meals for the needy.
“This year, in our Christmas Treat for street people and the indigent, we increased our target to 2000 because we wanted to reach out to as many persons as possible especially during this season of giving,” Mrs. Johnson added. Several volunteers came on board this year to assist with the day’s proceedings. They included Jamaica College, St. Georges College, Red Stripe, Kingston College, Wisynco, Scotiabank and Tank-Weld.
The beneficiaries had many words of commendation for Food For The Poor. An elderly homeless man remarked, “ I glad to get this food and gift from Food For The Poor, may God continue to bless them.”
Sixty-three year old Velma Smith, unemployed resident of Seaview Gardens, echoed similar sentiments: “I appreciate every thing very much and I thank them for doing this for us. The gift package was the best part for me. The food was also very delicious. I get fish and curry goat because I don’t eat chicken and that made me feel very special.”
Each year, during the month of December, Food For The Poor supports and organizes a number of Christmas Treats across the island for Children’s Homes, the elderly and the homeless.
The Charity kicked things off last Monday, December 9, when eleven elderly residents were treated from the Christian Care Nursing Home in Kingston while over 185 residents and 30 caregivers from clusters D, B and G were feted at the Golden Age Home on December 11.
-End-
Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States. It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
Friday 13 December 2013
MEDIA RELEASE - FOOD FOR THE POOR HOSTS CHRISTMAS FOR THE CLASSROOM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR HOSTS CHRISTMAS FOR THE CLASSROOM ON FRIDAY 13-12-13 AT HOPE ZOO
Kingston, Jamaica – December 13, 2013: Food For The Poor is giving Jamaicans an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with a purpose, for the benefit of the nation’s youth. Today, Friday, December 13, Food For The Poor will be hosting Christmas For The Classroom, a glitzy, festive event on the lawns of Hope Zoo, which aims to raise funds to assist with the charity’s purchase of student desks and chairs for public educational institutions islandwide, under its 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION TO BENEFIT CHILDREN
The charity has set as its target the provision of no fewer than 15,000 school desks and chairs to schools by the end of the 2013-2014 academic year. Christmas For The Classroom, which happens on the 13th day of the 12th month of the year, will be exactly 12 days before Christmas and promises to bring luck to the children of Jamaica. It’s being held under the theme, “Honouring our Donors. Supporting Education.”
“Christmas for the Classroom on Friday the 13 will be a 30th birthday celebration for FFP, which will be used as a fund raiser for our school furniture programme. We are asking Jamaicans to buy a ticket and come out and support the event, as by supporting the event you will be helping to make this nation’s future bright by giving our children the necessary tools,” said Andrew Mahfood, Chairman of Food For The Poor Jamaica. “Too many schools are in dire need of desks and chairs and so our children have to be standing or ‘kotching’ in class – that’s a less than favourable learning environment. We need them to perform at their best, so we need to ensure they have desks and chairs.”
DELECTABLE FOOD & ENGAGING ENTERTAINMENT
Patrons of Christmas For The Classroom will enjoy scrumptious food from leading chefs. Much loved, veteran reggae singer and songwriter Ernie Smith who has iconic status among Jamaicans will be providing suburb entertainment. Sensational saxophonist Jeffery Brown will also entertain the audience.
FFP APPEALS FOR SUPPORT
All proceeds from the event will go towards FFP’s 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme. Each 40-foot-container-load of 1,100 student desks and chairs will cost FFP US $22,000. Mr. Mahfood is appealing to citizens and corporate Jamaica to support Christmas For The Classroom, in helping the charity to reach its target of raising a total of US $300,000 (i.e. just over J $31.5 million).
“To provide the required desks and chairs for our school children, we need as much help as we can get from businesses, private sector foundations, civil society and all Jamaicans,” urged Mr. Mahfood. “This is our 30th birthday present that we are asking everyone for, so that we can take that present and give it to the children of our country”
He explained that since the FFP 30th Anniversary School Furniture programme was launched in October, some help has been received from five businesses and a Foundation, but much more financial assistance is needed. Donations have been forthcoming from: Continental Baking Company (National), Lasco Affiliated Companies, Wisynco Group, Tank-Weld, Spanish Development Foundation and Proven Wealth. The donations made to date, in addition to the contribution from FFP Head Office, will allow FFP to purchase 6,050 student chairs and desks. FFP will be handing over in the January 2014 school term, the first 2,200 desks and chairs, which are fully funded by the charity.
HONOURING 30 DONORS FOR ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Christmas For The Classroom will also see FFP honouring 30 individuals and or organizations, who/which have made outstanding contributions to the work of the charity during the past 30 years. Donors are being recognised in the categories of treasure, talent and time. The event starts at 7pm, but the awards programme commences at 8pm.
HOW TO MAKE DONATIONS
Donors to the 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme may make their contributions online at: foodforthepoor.org/schoolfurniture. Persons may also send their commitments to jacquelinej@foodforthepoorja.org and deposit their donations to NCB St. Jago Shopping Centre Branch, Account number 47-1043885. Those wishing to make US dollar donations should lodge to the NCB St. Jago Shopping Centre Branch, Account Number 47-4335267.
-End-
Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States.
It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR HOSTS CHRISTMAS FOR THE CLASSROOM ON FRIDAY 13-12-13 AT HOPE ZOO
Kingston, Jamaica – December 13, 2013: Food For The Poor is giving Jamaicans an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with a purpose, for the benefit of the nation’s youth. Today, Friday, December 13, Food For The Poor will be hosting Christmas For The Classroom, a glitzy, festive event on the lawns of Hope Zoo, which aims to raise funds to assist with the charity’s purchase of student desks and chairs for public educational institutions islandwide, under its 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION TO BENEFIT CHILDREN
The charity has set as its target the provision of no fewer than 15,000 school desks and chairs to schools by the end of the 2013-2014 academic year. Christmas For The Classroom, which happens on the 13th day of the 12th month of the year, will be exactly 12 days before Christmas and promises to bring luck to the children of Jamaica. It’s being held under the theme, “Honouring our Donors. Supporting Education.”
“Christmas for the Classroom on Friday the 13 will be a 30th birthday celebration for FFP, which will be used as a fund raiser for our school furniture programme. We are asking Jamaicans to buy a ticket and come out and support the event, as by supporting the event you will be helping to make this nation’s future bright by giving our children the necessary tools,” said Andrew Mahfood, Chairman of Food For The Poor Jamaica. “Too many schools are in dire need of desks and chairs and so our children have to be standing or ‘kotching’ in class – that’s a less than favourable learning environment. We need them to perform at their best, so we need to ensure they have desks and chairs.”
DELECTABLE FOOD & ENGAGING ENTERTAINMENT
Patrons of Christmas For The Classroom will enjoy scrumptious food from leading chefs. Much loved, veteran reggae singer and songwriter Ernie Smith who has iconic status among Jamaicans will be providing suburb entertainment. Sensational saxophonist Jeffery Brown will also entertain the audience.
FFP APPEALS FOR SUPPORT
All proceeds from the event will go towards FFP’s 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme. Each 40-foot-container-load of 1,100 student desks and chairs will cost FFP US $22,000. Mr. Mahfood is appealing to citizens and corporate Jamaica to support Christmas For The Classroom, in helping the charity to reach its target of raising a total of US $300,000 (i.e. just over J $31.5 million).
“To provide the required desks and chairs for our school children, we need as much help as we can get from businesses, private sector foundations, civil society and all Jamaicans,” urged Mr. Mahfood. “This is our 30th birthday present that we are asking everyone for, so that we can take that present and give it to the children of our country”
He explained that since the FFP 30th Anniversary School Furniture programme was launched in October, some help has been received from five businesses and a Foundation, but much more financial assistance is needed. Donations have been forthcoming from: Continental Baking Company (National), Lasco Affiliated Companies, Wisynco Group, Tank-Weld, Spanish Development Foundation and Proven Wealth. The donations made to date, in addition to the contribution from FFP Head Office, will allow FFP to purchase 6,050 student chairs and desks. FFP will be handing over in the January 2014 school term, the first 2,200 desks and chairs, which are fully funded by the charity.
HONOURING 30 DONORS FOR ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Christmas For The Classroom will also see FFP honouring 30 individuals and or organizations, who/which have made outstanding contributions to the work of the charity during the past 30 years. Donors are being recognised in the categories of treasure, talent and time. The event starts at 7pm, but the awards programme commences at 8pm.
HOW TO MAKE DONATIONS
Donors to the 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme may make their contributions online at: foodforthepoor.org/schoolfurniture. Persons may also send their commitments to jacquelinej@foodforthepoorja.org and deposit their donations to NCB St. Jago Shopping Centre Branch, Account number 47-1043885. Those wishing to make US dollar donations should lodge to the NCB St. Jago Shopping Centre Branch, Account Number 47-4335267.
-End-
Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States.
It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
Monday 9 December 2013
MEDIA RELEASE - FOOD FOR THE POOR PROVIDES WESTERN JAMAICA WITH TWO NEW BASIC SCHOOLS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR PROVIDES WESTERN JAMAICA WITH TWO NEW BASIC SCHOOLS UNDER ITS JAMAICA 50 PROJECT
Kingston, Jamaica- December 9, 2013: Food For The Poor has boosted the early childhood educational resources in western Jamaica by constructing and opening two schools in that region. The communities which have benefitted are Sunderland in St. James and Elgin Town in Hanover.
FFP BUILDS & OPENS 20 SCHOOLS IN 15 MONTHS
The construction of the Sunderland and Elgin Town Basic Schools brings to 20; the number of educational institutions built and officially opened under the Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica 50 Programme, during the past 15 months. The Programme aims to build and or upgrade 50 early childhood educational institutions in 50 months, in celebration of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee. The Sunderland Basic School is the first to be constructed in St. James under the FFP Jamaica 50 Programme.
The old Sunderland Basic School which dates back to 1901 had been refurbished numerous times over the years, but was still suffering from a derelict infrastructure, which was deteriorating at a rapid rate. FFP Jamaica partnered with FFP Inc. and donors, Mike and Mary Yaggie from the United States of America, to change the fortunes of the school.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS RAMP INSTALLED AT SUNDERLAND BASIC SCHOOL
The new facility includes two classrooms, a sickbay, an office area for the teaching staff, and a fully equipped kitchen. The classrooms have also been outfitted with attractive and comfortable furniture to help make the learning experience a more enjoyable one.
Addressing the recent official opening of the institution, Sandra Caskey, Senior Field Representative – Major Giving Department, FFP Inc., said her charity is delighted to assist in providing Sunderland with a new early childhood facility and other supporting infrastructure, which will aid the future success of the children and the community. She explained that the new school is equipped to cater to the needs of all pre-schoolers, including disabled children from Sunderland, Johns Hall and the surrounding areas. “We have also made provisions for students who might be physically challenged, by putting in place a wheelchair access ramp. One of the major improvements is that the school community no longer has to contend with pit latrines –fully functional flush toilets and other new bathroom facilities are now in place,” said Ms. Caskey.
FFP has also installed outside play area and play equipment for the children. A perimeter fence has also been erected to enhance the safety and security of the children. Ms. Caskey expressed gratitude to the donors for their partnership on the project: “The Yaggie family - your generosity is making a big difference in Sunderland and we commend you wholeheartedly! Without your significant support we would not be able to make a positive change in the lives of the pre-scholars of Sunderland, John’s Hall and the surrounding communities who depend on this school.”
YAGGIE FAMILY PLEASED TO HELP JAMAICAN CHILDREN
Indicating that his family was delighted for the opportunity to assist Jamaica, Mike Yaggie thanked FFP for the opportunity to improve life for the children of Sunderland. “This is the formative years in the lives of our children and so a school like this will pay dividends in this community for years to come. We know that this structure is far better for the children. We see a lot of potential in these children. They will be the future leaders of this community and this gives us great joy,” Mr. Yaggie gushed with enthusiasm. “Our family has been immensely blessed but our true blessing is seeing you and seeing the difference that has been made.”
Zelma Pessoa, Principal and Lincoln James, School Board Chairman told participants in the opening ceremony that they were elated to receive the modern facilities that are more learner friendly.
FFP & RBC COLLABORATE ON ELGIN TOWN PROJECT
In Elgin Town, RBC Royal Bank Jamaica Ltd., RBC Canada Foundation, FFP Canada and FFP Jamaica collaborated in the construction of the new basic school. Staff of RBC Royal Bank Jamaica Ltd. also gave freely of their time and effort in beautifying the new school. It has four classrooms, a computer room, office, sickbay, bathrooms and kitchen.FFP has also equipped the school with new furniture.
During the official opening of the school on December 4, Garnet Dias, Principal reflected on the challenging conditions posed by the old school plant, “In the old building, we were faced with severe overcrowding...the room was divided into three classrooms for 75 students. This made movement and the setting up of a learning centre very difficult. We also had insufficient furniture, an old stove and a refrigerator that had its challenges. But thank God for inspiring Food For The Poor and RBC Royal Bank to donate this lovely building to the Elgin Town community.” She expressed confidence that the new school was a significant improvement for the community.
FFP CANADA PLEASED WITH PARTNERSHIP
Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, FFP Canada lauded the partners for the project.“I want to thank the many people and organisations who were involved in building this new structure: the Royal Bank of Canada Foundation for funding the school as well as the RBC Jamaica staff who volunteered their time to paint the school last month. Without the support of strong individuals and organisations, the work of Food For The Poor does not happen,” said Ms. Mahfood. “I also commend the community of Elgin Town and Principal Dias, for advocating for a better facility for your students.”
She pointed out that the children have now moved from an overcrowded space without adequate sanitation and kitchen facilities to a building that will foster the desire to learn math, reading and culture. The Executive Director of FFP Canada emphasized that Food For The Poor is committed to “empowering Jamaicans through the 50 schools project – building 50 schools, training 500 teachers and educating thousands of children, as well as by providing food, medicines, housing, skills training and income generating activities across the island.”
Roger Cogle, Managing Director, RBC expressed delight that his organization had an opportunity to assist the residents of Elgin Town: “Ensuring our children and youth receive support throughout critical stages in their development is a priority for society and an important area of focus for us at RBC Royal Bank and we are proud to be able to support Food For The Poor in their ‘Jamaica 50 Campaign.” Mr. Cogle stated that his financial institution would continue to support the development of early childhood institutions and after-school programmes that help children grow, learn and explore their full potential.
-End-
Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States.
It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
___________________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR PROVIDES WESTERN JAMAICA WITH TWO NEW BASIC SCHOOLS UNDER ITS JAMAICA 50 PROJECT
Kingston, Jamaica- December 9, 2013: Food For The Poor has boosted the early childhood educational resources in western Jamaica by constructing and opening two schools in that region. The communities which have benefitted are Sunderland in St. James and Elgin Town in Hanover.
FFP BUILDS & OPENS 20 SCHOOLS IN 15 MONTHS
The construction of the Sunderland and Elgin Town Basic Schools brings to 20; the number of educational institutions built and officially opened under the Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica 50 Programme, during the past 15 months. The Programme aims to build and or upgrade 50 early childhood educational institutions in 50 months, in celebration of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee. The Sunderland Basic School is the first to be constructed in St. James under the FFP Jamaica 50 Programme.
The old Sunderland Basic School which dates back to 1901 had been refurbished numerous times over the years, but was still suffering from a derelict infrastructure, which was deteriorating at a rapid rate. FFP Jamaica partnered with FFP Inc. and donors, Mike and Mary Yaggie from the United States of America, to change the fortunes of the school.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS RAMP INSTALLED AT SUNDERLAND BASIC SCHOOL
The new facility includes two classrooms, a sickbay, an office area for the teaching staff, and a fully equipped kitchen. The classrooms have also been outfitted with attractive and comfortable furniture to help make the learning experience a more enjoyable one.
Addressing the recent official opening of the institution, Sandra Caskey, Senior Field Representative – Major Giving Department, FFP Inc., said her charity is delighted to assist in providing Sunderland with a new early childhood facility and other supporting infrastructure, which will aid the future success of the children and the community. She explained that the new school is equipped to cater to the needs of all pre-schoolers, including disabled children from Sunderland, Johns Hall and the surrounding areas. “We have also made provisions for students who might be physically challenged, by putting in place a wheelchair access ramp. One of the major improvements is that the school community no longer has to contend with pit latrines –fully functional flush toilets and other new bathroom facilities are now in place,” said Ms. Caskey.
FFP has also installed outside play area and play equipment for the children. A perimeter fence has also been erected to enhance the safety and security of the children. Ms. Caskey expressed gratitude to the donors for their partnership on the project: “The Yaggie family - your generosity is making a big difference in Sunderland and we commend you wholeheartedly! Without your significant support we would not be able to make a positive change in the lives of the pre-scholars of Sunderland, John’s Hall and the surrounding communities who depend on this school.”
YAGGIE FAMILY PLEASED TO HELP JAMAICAN CHILDREN
Indicating that his family was delighted for the opportunity to assist Jamaica, Mike Yaggie thanked FFP for the opportunity to improve life for the children of Sunderland. “This is the formative years in the lives of our children and so a school like this will pay dividends in this community for years to come. We know that this structure is far better for the children. We see a lot of potential in these children. They will be the future leaders of this community and this gives us great joy,” Mr. Yaggie gushed with enthusiasm. “Our family has been immensely blessed but our true blessing is seeing you and seeing the difference that has been made.”
Zelma Pessoa, Principal and Lincoln James, School Board Chairman told participants in the opening ceremony that they were elated to receive the modern facilities that are more learner friendly.
FFP & RBC COLLABORATE ON ELGIN TOWN PROJECT
In Elgin Town, RBC Royal Bank Jamaica Ltd., RBC Canada Foundation, FFP Canada and FFP Jamaica collaborated in the construction of the new basic school. Staff of RBC Royal Bank Jamaica Ltd. also gave freely of their time and effort in beautifying the new school. It has four classrooms, a computer room, office, sickbay, bathrooms and kitchen.FFP has also equipped the school with new furniture.
During the official opening of the school on December 4, Garnet Dias, Principal reflected on the challenging conditions posed by the old school plant, “In the old building, we were faced with severe overcrowding...the room was divided into three classrooms for 75 students. This made movement and the setting up of a learning centre very difficult. We also had insufficient furniture, an old stove and a refrigerator that had its challenges. But thank God for inspiring Food For The Poor and RBC Royal Bank to donate this lovely building to the Elgin Town community.” She expressed confidence that the new school was a significant improvement for the community.
FFP CANADA PLEASED WITH PARTNERSHIP
Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, FFP Canada lauded the partners for the project.“I want to thank the many people and organisations who were involved in building this new structure: the Royal Bank of Canada Foundation for funding the school as well as the RBC Jamaica staff who volunteered their time to paint the school last month. Without the support of strong individuals and organisations, the work of Food For The Poor does not happen,” said Ms. Mahfood. “I also commend the community of Elgin Town and Principal Dias, for advocating for a better facility for your students.”
She pointed out that the children have now moved from an overcrowded space without adequate sanitation and kitchen facilities to a building that will foster the desire to learn math, reading and culture. The Executive Director of FFP Canada emphasized that Food For The Poor is committed to “empowering Jamaicans through the 50 schools project – building 50 schools, training 500 teachers and educating thousands of children, as well as by providing food, medicines, housing, skills training and income generating activities across the island.”
Roger Cogle, Managing Director, RBC expressed delight that his organization had an opportunity to assist the residents of Elgin Town: “Ensuring our children and youth receive support throughout critical stages in their development is a priority for society and an important area of focus for us at RBC Royal Bank and we are proud to be able to support Food For The Poor in their ‘Jamaica 50 Campaign.” Mr. Cogle stated that his financial institution would continue to support the development of early childhood institutions and after-school programmes that help children grow, learn and explore their full potential.
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Food For The Poor (FFP)-Jamaica is the largest charity organization in the country. Food For The Poor Inc., located in Florida, USA, was named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the United States.
It is an interdenominational Christian agency that does much more than feed the millions of hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. FFP provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95% of all donations going directly to programmes that help the poor. For more information visit our Web site at www.foodforthepoorja.com
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Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
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