KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Twenty-eight primary and secondary school students from inner-city communities across Kingston and St Andrew will receive educational funding support under the Hands across Jamaica for Righteousness Initiative, beginning January 2016.

The provisions are being made under the 20 year old non-profit programme’s Sponsor a Child project, which, initially, targets the 28 youngsters, deemed less fortunate, who have been shortlisted from 14 primary and high schools.

It is anticipated that the initiative will eventually be expanded to include other schools, and children being considered must, among other things, display the potential for academic excellence.

Beneficiaries to be selected by principals and guidance counsellors at each institution, and will be assisted with educational material, transportation, lunch, and healthcare, among other provisions.

The Sponsor a Child initiative was officially launched at King’s House on Friday, under the distinguished patronage of the Governor-General Patrick Allen.

In lauding the initiative, the Governor-General welcomed the fact that it targets youth development, “(and) will help so many people to snatch success from the jaws of failure.”

Executive Chairman of Hands across Jamaica for Righteousness, Evangelist Errol Rattray, said the initiative aims to “address the needs of less fortunate children…who have the potential to succeed and to make a positive impact on their families and communities.”

A pilot for the programme is currently being conducted at Rousseau Primary School in Kingston, where 11-year-old Te-John Bailey is the first beneficiary.

Since being selected for the programme, Te-John has distinguished himself by making the honour role, and is among the five top performing Grade Six students at his school.

Te-John, who aspires to become prime minister of Jamaica, described the assistance he has received as valuable.

“Hands across Jamaica has helped me in many ways. They have provided bus fare for me, lunch and break money, (and are) helping me with my school uniform, my books…everything that I need for school they have helped me with,” he told gusts attending the ceremony.

The initiative, which is open to public participation through donations, will be monitored by a committee comprising board representatives of Hands across Jamaica, the Ministry of Health, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), participating schools, business stakeholders, and parents and guardians.