MONTEGO BAY, St James — Former Minister of Education Maxine Henry-Wilson is urging parents to develop a greater interest in their children’s schoolwork.

“We believe that our children cannot go to school unless they have a name-brand shoes or a name-brand bag. You know what they need? Encouragement! They need for you to believe in them. They need for you to take the time — yes you are tired, you just come from work, you just struggling but just put them to sit down if it is even on a bench or on a stool — put them to sit down and say just do your homework. They need to know that you value what they are doing, that is important,” said the outgoing South East St Andrew MP at last Friday’s official launch of the Leslie Ruel Madden Foundation in honour of the late managing director of Madden’s Funeral Supplies Limited, Montego Bay.

Forty primary school students from St James and Hanover received gift vouchers valued at $5000 from the foundation. The cash grant programme will be undertaken annually, assisting students going back to school with the purchase of uniforms and books.

The Leslie Ruel Madden Foundation was established on September 3, 2009.

“The Foundation was established to continue the philanthropic work started by my father, who was known for caring and sharing with his fellowmen, especially those less fortunate,” said Isiaa Madden Brownie last week.

The Foundation started its operation by partnering with the Management of Cornwall Regional Hospital in setting up the Chemotherapy Department, which opened its doors in early 2010. The Foundation is committed to continue working with the Cancer Centre at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, in helping patients and their families cope with cancer.