Digicel Foundation delivers support to students still hurting from Hurricane Melissa

Joy Clark, chair of the Digicel Foundation, shares a joyful moment with Sharaya McPherson (right) and Nicquantae Evans, students from the Catherine Hall Special Education Unit in St James who received backpacks filled with essential school supplies as part of the foundation’s recent annual back-to-school initiative. August 24, 2026 AS families across Jamaica prepare for the new school year, the Digicel Foundation is helping to ease the financial burden of back-to-school preparations, delivering more than 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students across selected schools, special needs institutions, and community groups. The annual initiative is part of the Digicel Foundation’s continued commitment to education and community development. This year, the programme took on added significance for families in western Jamaica, where more than 300 of the 500-plus students receiving support were affected by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa last October. Each backpack was packed with care by members of the Digicel Foundation team and included practical supplies such as books, pencils, pens, colouring books, geometry sets, and rulers — items designed to help students return to the classroom prepared and ready to learn. For Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels, the initiative is about standing with families at a time when they need support most. “We know how difficult this time of the year is for many parents, especially those in the west who have to add back-to-school expenses to the many challenges they are already facing after experiencing a Category 5 hurricane. As a foundation committed to education and community development, we wanted to play our part,” said Daniels. Among the beneficiaries was the Catherine Hall Special Education Unit in St James, where Special Needs Unit Coordinator Marsha Rigg-Kerr expressed gratitude for the foundation’s continued support of students with special needs. “Every year, our parents can count on the Digicel Foundation to lend a helping hand where back-to-school supplies are concerned. As you know, many of our students were impacted by the hurricane, so these supplies are very much welcomed. They will make a meaningful difference to our students and their families, and we are truly thankful to the Digicel Foundation for continuing to support our children,” said Rigg-Kerr. Entertainment, Latest News KINGSTON, Jamaica — Popular dancehall producer Jahvy Ambassador is celebrating another international milestone after Gal Policy by Kranium, which he p... KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, is optimistic that the return of Caribbean Premier League (CP... ST MARY, Jamaica — The St Mary police are seeking a man for questioning in connection with a series of suspected arson attacks in the Rock River commu... ST MARY, Jamaica — The St Mary police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a man wanted in connection with the attempted murder of his 51-y... Entertainment, Latest News Even before it was released in April, the Hill And Gully Riddim from producer Stephen McGregor was creating the proverbial buzz in dancehall circles. ... Entertainment, Latest News LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Spider-Man: Brand New Day is still riding high in the North American box office, topping ticket sales for the fourt... KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica were dethroned as kings of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Boys Tier 1 Challenge Series on Sunday after they w... International News, Latest News, Regional PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago police have launched an investigation after a newborn girl was found in a cardboard box at the sid... Facebook Twitter Instagram Polls Recent Posts Archives