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.
-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
Thursday, 28 November 2013
MEDIA RELEASE - 18th School In 14 Months Opened Under Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Programme
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR DELIVERS EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE PEOPLE OF BRAETON
18th School In 14 Months Opened Under FFP Jamaica 50 Programme
Kingston, Jamaica – November 28, 2013: Today, Food For The Poor (FFP) officially opened the new Reliance Basic School which it constructed in Braeton, St. Catherine. The new facility is like an early Christmas gift for the people of Braeton, as it brought many smiles to their faces and hearts, and cheers of joy.
The new Reliance Basic School was constructed and officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to build and or upgrade 50 early childhood schools over 50 months, in celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence. It is the fourth school to be opened in St. Catherine and the eighteenth school to be opened islandwide under the FFP Jamaica 50 Programme.
GOODBYE TO UNSUITABLE CLASSSROOM SPACE
The previous structure housing the school doubled as a community centre. Therefore, it posed serious challenges of unsuitable classroom space, insufficient furniture and inadequate bathroom and kitchen facilities. So bad was the overcrowding that the school had to be constantly turning away many students, whose parents were desirous of enrolling them in the institution. The new school is a significant improvement over the former structure.
The new school is the result of a collaborative effort between FFP Jamaica, FFP Canada, the generous donors based in Canada - Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation- and the Braeton Citizens Association. The new Reliance Basic School will give the pre-primary children of the community the opportunity to learn in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. The school comprises three cosy classrooms, a sickbay, office for the teaching staff, kitchen, and bathrooms.
FFP COMMITTED TO IMPROVING CHILDREN’S WELFARE
Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, FFP Canada emphasized FFP’s commitment to improving the lives of Jamaicans: “Today is a celebration of our priorities, as a nation and as parents and teachers. Our priorities are our children and our children’s education. This school, this investment in education, combined with strong teaching and parenting, is our children’s path to success today and in the future.”
HELPING HANDS JAMAICA FOUNDATION
She expressed appreciation to Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF), the Canadian-Jamaican donors, who financed the construction and furnishing of the school, commending them for being “a group dedicated to education in Jamaica.” Ms. Mahfood pointed out that HHJF previously donated funds for the building of five schools in Jamaica with Food For The Poor Canada and Food For The Poor Jamaica. Those basic schools are: Kings Infant in Long Hill, Westmoreland; Arlington Basic in St. Elizabeth, Bernard Basic in St. Thomas, Caribbean Palm Estate in Kingston and Campbell Castle in Manchester.
The Executive Director of FFP Canada noted that the charity treasured the partnership with HHJF and was also inspired by the philanthropy of HHJF.
She also thanked the members of the Braeton Citizens Association for giving FFP the chance to collaborate with them in assisting the children of the community. “Thanks to the Citizens Association of Braeton for partnering with us to continue to build up your community,” remarked Ms. Mahfood. “Your recognition of the dire straits of the school and advocacy to change it has moved the school from a building that was unsuitable for learning to one that will foster the desire to improve in reading, math and culture.”
She also expressed the commitment of FFP to continue to empower Jamaicans through the Jamaica 50 Programme - of building/upgrading 50 schools, training 500 early childhood education teachers and educating the children - as well as by providing food, medicines, housing, skills training and income generating activities islandwide.
REALIZATION OF DREAM
Judith Royal Gardner, Principal of the school, was overjoyed with the new facility, pointing out that she approached FFP for help after hearing about the launch of its Jamaica 50 Programme in June 2012. Declaring, “Today we are a proud recipient of a brand new building,” she praised FFP for the positive difference in the life of the school, “FFP is the lifeguard that has rescued us from our storms. We now know how the Israelites felt in crossing over to the promised land.” She also praised the charity for providing the institution with child-appropriate furniture, a refrigerator and gas stove, which will enable the school to provide nutritious meals to students.
She said that, despite challenges in the past including lack of its own school building and break-ins, the school has kept true to its name and motto “Striving For The Best”, by providing a reliable, quality education to hundreds of students over the years, many of whom are now making a valuable contribution to the nation. She thanked the former and current school board and staff for working relentlessly to aid the school in overcoming several challenges.
Venice Walker, Past President, Reliance Basic School Parent Teachers Association echoed similar sentiments. Pointing out that the opening of the school was the celebration of a dream come true, she appealed for public support to assist with financing the installation of a perimeter fence for the institution, as well as to ensure ongoing sponsorship of the school.
SUPPORT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION & BRAETON COMMUNITY
Debbie-Ann Pryce-Hoofung, Development Officer for Zone 56, Early Childhood Commission expressed satisfaction that the school had overcome a major hurdle and was now “harvesting” the fruits of their hard work and sacrifice. She pledged to continue to support the institution in ensuring that it continues to implement vibrant, age appropriate programmes which encourage the cognitive, emotional and social development of the children.
Also participating in today’s event were: Hector Rowe, Past Board Chairman of Reliance Basic School who had initiated the efforts of seeking donations for the school; Anthony Wint, Councillor, Braeton Division; Owen Saunderson, former Councillor of the Braeton Division who helped the school in securing the land in which the new building is sited and Bishop Delroy Willis, Valley Christian Ministry International. The children provided entertainment in poetry and song. Some also presented FFP Jamaica and FFP Canada with plaques of appreciation.
-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 DELIVERS EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE PEOPLE OF BRAETON
18th School In 14 Months Opened Under FFP Jamaica 50 Programme
Kingston, Jamaica – November 28, 2013: Today, Food For The Poor (FFP) officially opened the new Reliance Basic School which it constructed in Braeton, St. Catherine. The new facility is like an early Christmas gift for the people of Braeton, as it brought many smiles to their faces and hearts, and cheers of joy.
The new Reliance Basic School was constructed and officially opened under the Food For The Poor Jamaica 50 Campaign, which seeks to build and or upgrade 50 early childhood schools over 50 months, in celebration of Jamaica’s 50th year of Independence. It is the fourth school to be opened in St. Catherine and the eighteenth school to be opened islandwide under the FFP Jamaica 50 Programme.
GOODBYE TO UNSUITABLE CLASSSROOM SPACE
The previous structure housing the school doubled as a community centre. Therefore, it posed serious challenges of unsuitable classroom space, insufficient furniture and inadequate bathroom and kitchen facilities. So bad was the overcrowding that the school had to be constantly turning away many students, whose parents were desirous of enrolling them in the institution. The new school is a significant improvement over the former structure.
The new school is the result of a collaborative effort between FFP Jamaica, FFP Canada, the generous donors based in Canada - Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation- and the Braeton Citizens Association. The new Reliance Basic School will give the pre-primary children of the community the opportunity to learn in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. The school comprises three cosy classrooms, a sickbay, office for the teaching staff, kitchen, and bathrooms.
FFP COMMITTED TO IMPROVING CHILDREN’S WELFARE
Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, FFP Canada emphasized FFP’s commitment to improving the lives of Jamaicans: “Today is a celebration of our priorities, as a nation and as parents and teachers. Our priorities are our children and our children’s education. This school, this investment in education, combined with strong teaching and parenting, is our children’s path to success today and in the future.”
HELPING HANDS JAMAICA FOUNDATION
She expressed appreciation to Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF), the Canadian-Jamaican donors, who financed the construction and furnishing of the school, commending them for being “a group dedicated to education in Jamaica.” Ms. Mahfood pointed out that HHJF previously donated funds for the building of five schools in Jamaica with Food For The Poor Canada and Food For The Poor Jamaica. Those basic schools are: Kings Infant in Long Hill, Westmoreland; Arlington Basic in St. Elizabeth, Bernard Basic in St. Thomas, Caribbean Palm Estate in Kingston and Campbell Castle in Manchester.
The Executive Director of FFP Canada noted that the charity treasured the partnership with HHJF and was also inspired by the philanthropy of HHJF.
She also thanked the members of the Braeton Citizens Association for giving FFP the chance to collaborate with them in assisting the children of the community. “Thanks to the Citizens Association of Braeton for partnering with us to continue to build up your community,” remarked Ms. Mahfood. “Your recognition of the dire straits of the school and advocacy to change it has moved the school from a building that was unsuitable for learning to one that will foster the desire to improve in reading, math and culture.”
She also expressed the commitment of FFP to continue to empower Jamaicans through the Jamaica 50 Programme - of building/upgrading 50 schools, training 500 early childhood education teachers and educating the children - as well as by providing food, medicines, housing, skills training and income generating activities islandwide.
REALIZATION OF DREAM
Judith Royal Gardner, Principal of the school, was overjoyed with the new facility, pointing out that she approached FFP for help after hearing about the launch of its Jamaica 50 Programme in June 2012. Declaring, “Today we are a proud recipient of a brand new building,” she praised FFP for the positive difference in the life of the school, “FFP is the lifeguard that has rescued us from our storms. We now know how the Israelites felt in crossing over to the promised land.” She also praised the charity for providing the institution with child-appropriate furniture, a refrigerator and gas stove, which will enable the school to provide nutritious meals to students.
She said that, despite challenges in the past including lack of its own school building and break-ins, the school has kept true to its name and motto “Striving For The Best”, by providing a reliable, quality education to hundreds of students over the years, many of whom are now making a valuable contribution to the nation. She thanked the former and current school board and staff for working relentlessly to aid the school in overcoming several challenges.
Venice Walker, Past President, Reliance Basic School Parent Teachers Association echoed similar sentiments. Pointing out that the opening of the school was the celebration of a dream come true, she appealed for public support to assist with financing the installation of a perimeter fence for the institution, as well as to ensure ongoing sponsorship of the school.
SUPPORT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMISSION & BRAETON COMMUNITY
Debbie-Ann Pryce-Hoofung, Development Officer for Zone 56, Early Childhood Commission expressed satisfaction that the school had overcome a major hurdle and was now “harvesting” the fruits of their hard work and sacrifice. She pledged to continue to support the institution in ensuring that it continues to implement vibrant, age appropriate programmes which encourage the cognitive, emotional and social development of the children.
Also participating in today’s event were: Hector Rowe, Past Board Chairman of Reliance Basic School who had initiated the efforts of seeking donations for the school; Anthony Wint, Councillor, Braeton Division; Owen Saunderson, former Councillor of the Braeton Division who helped the school in securing the land in which the new building is sited and Bishop Delroy Willis, Valley Christian Ministry International. The children provided entertainment in poetry and song. Some also presented FFP Jamaica and FFP Canada with plaques of appreciation.
-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, 1 November 2013
MEDIA RELEASE - FOOD FOR THE POOR PRESENTS BANNISTER WITH GIFT FOR PRE-PRIMARY CHILDREN
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR PRESENTS BANNISTER WITH GIFT
FOR PRE-PRIMARY CHILDREN
17th School In 13 Months Opened Under FFP
Jamaica 50 Programme
Kingston, Jamaica
- October 31, 2013: Food For The Poor’s major gift to the people of
Bannister in St. Catherine – the new Bannister New Testament Basic School - was
officially opened today during a special ceremony.
17th SCHOOL IN 13 MONTHS OPENED BY FFP
This is the seventeenth early childhood institution to be
officially opened under the Food For the Poor (FFP) Jamaica 50 Programme,
which seeks to build and or upgrade 50 basic schools islandwide in 50 months,
in celebration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence. It is
the second basic school in St. Catherine to be built under the Programme.
Thirteen months ago, the first school under the FFP Jamaica 50 Programme
was officially opened in Kingston (i.e. the St. Margarets Real Success Basic
School).
The Bannister New Testament Basic School which was housed in the church
since its inception 17 years ago, had to be battling an unsuitable and limited
learning environment, where teachers had to be constantly moving furniture and
teaching aids to make room for church activities. To add to that difficulty,
when the church was under construction, and housed in an unfinished building,
the school’s operation was affected by the elements of the weather.
REALIZATION OF A DREAM
Thanks
to FFP, the new building for the Bannister New Testament Basic School comprises
three classrooms, a sickbay, an office area, bathrooms and a fully equipped
kitchen. The charity also presented
seven computers to the school. Delivering Remarks at today’s opening ceremony,
Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, FFP, pointed out that the classrooms
have also been outfitted with comfortable furniture to “help make the learning
experience a more enjoyable one”. She expressed the view that the new facility
would give pre-primary children an opportunity to gain education of the very
highest quality: “We believe this new school is a
blessing, especially as it relates to improving the level of literacy in the
community.”
Mrs. Johnson expressed thanks
to the Bannister New Testament Church and the people of the community for
collaborating with FFP on this school building project. “I know this school is
a celebration of the realization of your dream for the children of your
community,” said the FFP Executive Director. She also commended the donors, Mr. and Mrs. Chris
Williamson of Houston, Texas, for their generous support.
(From left)
Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, Food For The Poor; Donnette Swearing,
Principal, Bannister New Testament Basic School in St. Catherine; Audley
Campbell, Councillor of the Old Harbour North Division and the students of
Bannister New Testament Basic School are delighted to participate in the ribbon
cutting exercise for the official opening of the school. The occasion was held
on Thursday, October 31.
YOUTH
UNEMPLOYMENT
Addressing the issue of youth unemployment,
Mrs. Johnson recommended a partnership approach by the Bannister community in
dealing with that societal problem. She suggested that the church and citizens
association collaborate in training the youth, and that the Bannister New
Testament Basic School could be used after school hours as a skills training
venue for unemployed youth.
Additionally, Mrs. Johnson
proposed, “Older members of the community need to encourage youngsters who
might be unemployed to be apprentices to them. Young people, please try to
learn some skills, while you seek employment. By so doing, you will be
expanding your skills sets and experience, while improving your quality of
life.”
BE ATTENTIVE TO NATION’S
CHILDREN
Pointing out that youngsters, 18
years and under, comprise 30% of Jamaica’s population of 2.7 million, Mrs.
Johnson appealed to adults to be attentive to the nation’s children, their
needs and interests. She warned that the nation would be in more serious
trouble, if it ignored the needs of this significant cohort of our population.
“If we truly believe in
Jamaica, we will always set the right examples for our children,” the FFP
Executive Director asserted. “If we don’t show our children the right way, then
their peers might just show them the wrong approach to life, and the negative
values. Please spend time interacting with the children in your family and
community and understanding them.” She urged adults to exhibit the best values
and morals: such as integrity, honesty, confidence, respect, love of neighbour
and self and a strong belief in hard work for achieving success.
THUMBS UP FROM PRINCIPAL,
PUBLIC HEALTH & FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Donnette Swearing, Principal,
Bannister New Testament Basic School, has expressed delight and appreciation to
FFP for the new school. “We are proud to say we now
have access to a computer room which both teachers and children are ecstatic in
using to enhance learning. Children can now enjoy listening to
CD-played-stories while learning new words.”
She disclosed that the new
kitchen facilities have made a phenomenal difference in the lives of the
students. They have also been given the thumbs up from the public health and
fire departments. “We are blessed to have a furnished kitchen… We can now
proudly say both the fire and public health inspectors have given us
satisfactory certification,” said Ms. Swearing. “Meals are cooked and kept warm
for the children, no more going back and forth to catch water to prepare
meals.”
Some students of
Bannister New Testament Basic School in St. Catherine and their Principal
Donnette Swearing do sign language to music, as they entertain the audience at
the official opening of the school on Thursday, October 31.
ENDORSEMENTS
Addressing today’s opening ceremony, Maxine Scarlett-Campbell, Development Officer, Early Childhood Commission and Audley Campbell, Councillor of the Old Harbour North Division endorsed the school building project and commended the partners involved in the effort. “Thanks to FFP who saw the need and came onboard to partner with the Ministry of Education. Many times, the teachers were so tired and felt like giving up literally, but thanks to FFP they now have their own building which meets the requirements of the Early Childhood Commission,” stated Ms. Scarlett-Campbell.
She reminded parents to
access education for their children, as education is the vehicle for achieving
success in life. Meanwhile, Mr. Campbell stressed that all members of the
community are beneficiaries of the new school, and should therefore protect it.
-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
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
Friday, 25 October 2013
VIDEO: Food For the Poor 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme on CVM TV
October 23, 2013, CVM TV, News Watch, News Report on Food For the Poor 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme,
Reporter, Damien Phillips:
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Food For The Poor Appeals For Donations To School Furniture Programme
Please check out this news item on Food For The Poor:
October 24, 2013, The Gleaner, News Story/Photo, Help Us
Help The Schools - Food For The Poor Appeals For Donations To Improve Learning
Environment Across Jamaica:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20131024/lead/lead6.html
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
FOOD FOR THE POOR LAUNCHES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOOL FURNITURE PROGRAMME
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
FOOD FOR THE POOR
LAUNCHES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
SCHOOL FURNITURE PROGRAMME
Kingston, Jamaica - October 23, 2013: In
celebration of its thirtieth anniversary, Food For The Poor (FFP) today
launched its Thirtieth
Anniversary School Furniture Programme which aims to provide no fewer than 15,000 school desks and chairs
to educational institutions islandwide between October 2013 and the end of the
2013-2014 academic year.
Making the announcement at the Launch at Terra Nova
All Suite Hotel, Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, FFP Jamaica, said that the charity
would be seeking to raise US
$300,000 (i.e. the equivalent of J $31.5 million) to finance the purchase
of student desks and chairs. He disclosed that the first batch of desks and
chairs would be presented to schools in January 2014.
FFP TO DONATE 15,000 NEW STUDENT DESKS AND CHAIRS
“Our
fund-raising target is US$300,000
to provide 15,000 school desks and chairs between now and the end of the
academic year in July 2014,” Mr. Mahfood disclosed. “The first batch of school
furniture donation under this programme will take place in January 2014 – a
gift to FFP Jamaica from our head office in Florida - and will see us
distributing 2,300 desks and chairs across the island. These items are
scheduled to arrive in the island by the end of December this year.”
He pointed out that the FFP 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme is intended to satisfy the dire
furniture requirements of schools which are facing an acute shortage of these
much-needed supplies. The FFPJ Chairman explained that the needs and interests
of the nation’s children have always been dear to the hearts at FFP, and as the
charity celebrates its 30th Anniversary,
it would be taking its service to that cohort of Jamaica’s population to even
greater heights and renewed intensity. He asserted that FFP is determined that
Jamaica’s children should be allowed to reach their highest potential in a
comfortable and nurturing learning environment.
DISCUSSING EDUCATION: Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites (left), Minister of
Education has the rapt attention of key stakeholders in Wednesday’s launch of
the Food For The Poor 30th Anniversary
School Furniture Programme: (from 2nd
left) Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, Food For The Poor (FFP)
Jamaica and Dennis Chung, CEO, Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica.
SOS ON BEHALF OF THE NATION’S CHILDREN
“We
regard the FFP 30th Anniversary
School Furniture initiative as an SOS to the nation that our children are
urgently in need of our support in the creation of an aesthetically pleasing
and child-friendly environment,” declared Mr. Mahfood. “We should never subject
our children to these sub-standard conditions. It is our duty and social
responsibility to empower our children in the best possible way.”
During today’s launch, FFP appealed to private sector
foundations, businesses, civil
society, school alumni, and members of the Jamaican Diaspora to partner with
the charity in the purchase of student desks and chairs, by becoming donors to
the FFP 30th Anniversary
School Furniture Programme.
This initiative is the latest in a series of school
furniture distributions by FFP over the years. Between January and August this year,
36 schools received school furniture from FFP. Last year alone FFP distributed
$1.3 billion worth of school furniture and supplies to schools across Jamaica.
FFP ENCOURAGING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
At today’s event both the FFPJ Chairman Mr. Mahfood
and its Executive Director Jacqueline Johnson expressed the commitment of the
charity to continue to meet the
needs of the nation’s economically and socially challenged youngsters and
adults in a variety of ways. The charity’s executives pointed out that by providing citizens with basic
necessities such as food, clothing and shelter, skills training, and by
assisting with the development of income-generating activities, FFP has been
realizing its mandate of encouraging sustainable development among Jamaicans.
EDUCATION MINISTER ENDORSES FFP SCHOOL
FURNITURE PROGRAMME
Keynote Speaker at today’s launch, Hon. Rev. Ronald
Thwaites, Minister of Education expressed delight and appreciation over FFP 30th Anniversary School Furniture
Initiative. Commending FFP for
its ongoing support to schools, the programmes of the Ministry of Education and
the needy in the society, Minister Thwaites said the charity’s 30th Anniversary School Furniture Programme is “the kind of public-private
partnership which he would like most of Jamaica to be engaged in”. He stressed
that it is important for Jamaicans “to ensure we lift up the dignity and
congeniality of every child by the provision of adequate school furniture.”
He stated that the Ministry of Education welcomed the
donation of school furniture from FFP, as during the last fiscal year, of the
over $70 billion budget for the Education Ministry, there was no allocation for
furniture. He indicated that this year even though approximately $50 million
from the education budget will go towards the provision of school furniture,
and already some 17,000 pieces of furniture items have been delivered to
schools, “this is just a fraction of the need of what exists”.
Hon. Rev. Ronald
Thwaites (left), Minister of Education delivers the keynote address at the
launch of the Food For The Poor 30th
Anniversary School Furniture Programme on
Wednesday, October 23. Sharing in the occasion at Terra Nova Hotel are (from
left): Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director, Food For The Poor
(FFP) Jamaica; Andrew Mahfood, Chairman, FFP Jamaica; Dennis
Chung, CEO, Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica; Merna Jackson, Principal of
Real Success Basic School, and Chevon Lewis, Head boy, Kingston College.
APPEAL TO THE JAMAICAN DIASPORA
Pointing
out that there are 130 school alumni groups in the United States alone, the
Education Minister made a special appeal to Jamaicans in the Diaspora: “I call
on Jamaicans abroad who have benefited from education here, which allows them
to strive abroad, to contribute to this furniture programme.”
Minister Thwaites implored students to take care of
both new and existing furniture. Additionally, he proposed that a barter
arrangement could be worked out with parents who are welders or carpenters who
are having difficulty paying auxiliary fees, in that they could give their
labour in effecting furniture repairs as their payment of auxiliary fees.
TESTIMONIALS & ENDORSEMENTS
Merna
Jackson, Principal of Real Success Basic School, and Chevon Lewis, Head boy,
Kingston College shared testimonials at today’s Launch, pointing out that the
FFP donation of school furniture to their institutions has been a source of
great inspiration, improved ambience and convenience for both students and members
of staff.
Jacqueline Johnson,
Executive Director, Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica points out some areas of
service undertaken by that charity as evident in Poster Boards displayed at the
launch of the FFP 30th
Anniversary School Furniture Campaign. Viewing the exhibits are Dave Myrie,
Principal, Kingston College and Chevon Lewis, head boy of that school.
Dennis Chung, CEO, Private Sector Organisation of
Jamaica and Everton Hannam, President, National Parent-Teacher Association of
Jamaica endorsed the initiative, expressing the desire to have greater
collaboration between FFP and their organizations in the future. Mr. Chung
reiterated that unless Jamaica’s education system was offering a quality
environment and turning out quality graduates, the nation’s economy would be
stymied.
Among persons who participated in today’s Launch of
the FFP 30th Anniversary
School Furniture Programme were: Charmaine Lawson Gray of Supreme Ventures;
JoanFlo Morris of the Bob Marley Foundation; Latoya Harris of National
Education Trust; Sheryl Bromfield, Public Relations & Communication Manager
with the Ministry of Education; Anika Smith of Mayberry Investments and Jean
Lowrie-Chin, FFP Board Director, as well as Daniel and Joshua Shreves of St.
George’s College.
HOW TO MAKE DONATIONS
Donors may make their contributions on line 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
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Food For The Poor Opens 16Th Basic School Under Its Jamaica 50 Programme
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
.JPG)
NEW START: The Andrew Mahfood (left) chaired Food For the Poor Jamaica, in association with Kind Hearts Limited (members are in yellow), recently led the upgrading of the early childhood educational fabric of Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine, with the construction of an entirely new school structure for the Top Hill Basic School in the community. Beside Mahfood is John Golding, Principal of Top Hill Primary School. The work done for the Top Hill Basic School serves as the second collaboration involving Food For the Poor Jamaica and Kind Hearts Limited. The two organisations first worked on the funding needed for the construction of the D. Franks Early Childhood Institute in Manchester, which was officially opened in September 2012.
Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine – August 15,
2013: Food For the Poor Jamaica, in association with Kind
Hearts Limited, has improved the early childhood educational fabric of Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine, with the
construction of an entirely new structure for the Top Hill Basic School in the
community.
The work done for the Top Hill Basic School, serves as
the second collaboration involving Food For the Poor Jamaica and Kind Hearts
Limited. The two organisations first worked on the funding needed for the
construction of the D. Franks Early Childhood Institute in Manchester, which
was officially opened in September 2012.
Ms. Sonia McKenzie Chambers, Principal of Top
Hill Basic School expressed gratitude for the new school building:
“I have been working under very difficult
and deplorable conditions for a very long time just to ensure that the children
get the right start. This dedication
ceremony marks an end to that period because the future for Top Hill Basic
School looks brighter now. I must say
thanks to Food For The Poor, Kind Hearts Limited, the Top Hill Primary School,
as well as our MP and Councillor for making this all possible.”
The new infrastructure for the early childhood educational institution
includes appropriate amenities, which regrettably the school did not have
before, such as an independent bathroom facility, a suitable sickbay for
students, office space, and a kitchen facility.
Due to the lack of these facilities, community residents were reluctant
to enrol their children in the institution. The school was housed in a section
of the Top Hill Pentecostal Church of God.
Fortunately for the residents of Lluidas Vale and surrounding environs,
the construction of a new school structure will lead to better and easier access
to educational opportunities for their children.
During his remarks at the Dedication Ceremony, Andrew Mahfood, Chairman
of Food For The Poor underscored the role of
education in the lives of children:
“Education is very important to us at Food For The Poor and is the key
to the development of a child’s values and morals. This gave birth to our Jamaica 50 Campaign, which was launched to
build and upgrade 50 schools in 50 months.
So far, 15 schools have been constructed and officially opened under
this project and Top Hill Basic School will represent the 16th. We thank Kind Hearts Limited for their
sacrifice in fundraising and building this school for the community of Top
Hill. Food For The Poor is here to
support you with any future projects.”
Christina Lechler, Director of Kind Hearts
Limited, also spoke on the work done for the school. She noted that:
“The community of Top Hill is
such a peaceful and warm area. When we
came and saw the conditions at the school, we wanted to give our support and
further add to the development of this community, by helping with the education
of these students. Special thanks to
the Member of Parliament, who, through the Constituency Development Fund,
donated a significant sum to assist with this project. Without Food For The Poor, we would not have
been able to complete this school.
Thanks also to the FFP contractors who worked with us for the past two
days to build this school. We ask the
community to take care of it, be proud of it because education is very
important and the key to providing everything that these children will need.”
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.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Dominic Bell
or Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740, 478-5624 or 564-5277
Petri-Ann
Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005
or 564-2886
FOOD FOR THE POOR BAND CAMP 2013 CONCERT THRILLS AUDIENCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA RELEASE
LIKKLE BUT TALLAWAH: Tri-tom player, Kimani Ellis, displays his
graduation certificate from this year’s Food For the Poor Band Camp. Ellis, along with the other 49
students of the graduating lot, also received an instrument free of cost from
the programme. Seen with Ellis was his presenter, Pearl Barrett. Occasion was
the Food For The Poor Band Camp Concert 2013. The event
was held at the non-profit organisation's headquarters in Ellerslie Pen,
Spanish Town. Food For The Poor hosts an annual non-residential camp, which teaches children of the
inner-city to play musical instruments. The Band Camp was held from July to
August. 
HERO: Joshua Shreeves performs an alto saxophone-driven rendition of Hero, much to the delight of
patrons at the Food For the Poor Band Camp Concert,
held at the organisation’s headquarters in Ellerslie Pen, Spanish
Town. Food For The Poor hosts the annual non-residential camp, which teaches children of the
inner-city to play musical instruments, during July and August. At the end of the
Band Camp, musical instruments are also donated to the children.
Kingston,
Jamaica: On August 8, 2013, Food For The Poor Jamaica, the
island’s largest charity organization, held the Food For the Poor Band Camp
2013 Concert, at its headquarters in Ellerslie Pen, Spanish Town, St.
Catherine.
The Food For the Poor Band
Camp Concert 2013, served as a closing ceremony for the organisation’s annual
non-residential camp, which teaches children of the inner-city to play musical
instruments. This Band Camp is held during July and August. At the end of the
Band Camp, musical instruments are also donated to the children.
The proceedings began with
opening statements by Food For The Poor members Sandra Ramsey, Sylvester Lindo,
and Jacqueline Johnson, before the organisation’s Chairman, Andrew Mahfood,
delivered the Keynote Address.
In his speech, Mahfood
highlighted that:
“The Food For the Poor Band
Camp started five years ago, and gives children the opportunity to learn to
play music during the summer. We have seen 80 graduates of the programme since
its inception, with this year’s class having 50 members. The aim is for Food
For The Poor to eventually have a choir, which in turn will perform for
residents of homes for the elderly, funerals, and other aspects of society.”
The Band Camp graduates performed several items at the event, giving a
personalised twist on renditions of popular songs.
The Jeffery Brown led Band
Camp performances began with Rukumbine, followed by other pieces such as
Mary Had a Little Lamb and My God Is Awesome.
One of the most well
received sets was the Ian Crossbourne delivered, trumpet-driven rendition of
the gospel favourite, As The Deer.
Strong audience responses
were also given to the graduates’ renditions of Michael Jackson’s inspiration
number, We Are The World, and Bob Marley’s Redemption Song.
The group’s performance of
Redemption Song was described by Chief Instructor, Jeffrey Brown, as “Our
Emancipation song.”
Other impressive standouts
were the military-marching band hybrid of drumming patterns used for Oh When
The Saints, and Joshua Shreeves usage of the Alto Saxophone to play Hero.
To cap off the event’s
proceedings, Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director of Food For The Poor,
announced that the recent Band Camp graduates, were being offered a free tennis
trial courtesy of Tennis Jamaica.
-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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact:
Erica James-King, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 564-5277
Dominic Bell, PROComm, T: 926-6740 or 478-5624
Petri-Ann Henry, Food For The Poor, T: 984-5005 or 564-2886
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