Proven Investments Limited, as part of its community outreach project, recently handed over stationary supplies and food items to the Salt Spring Primary and Infant School located in the inner-city community of Salt Spring in St James.

Proven’s branch manager for Montego Bay, Omoi Green, said the aim of his company is to assist in making a difference in the community.

“If you have a history of Salt Spring, you will realise that it is one of those communities where there is a flare-up of violence every now and then, and we figured that we can make a difference in some of these communities,” Green explained.

“We cannot just neglect the communities and expect that they are going to get better. I was talking to Mrs [Mazie Kelly] Lawrence, [acting principal of Salt Spring Primary] a while ago… a number of the fathers of the children here have been killed by gun violence. So, unless somebody comes in and actually assists the school and assists the community, then there is no way that the community can be any better. So, that is our motivation in selecting this community and school,” added Green.

Marketing officer of Proven, Shane Bennett, told the Jamaica Observer West that in August the company started an event called “One Drop Summer Donation.”

He pointed out that the initiative is essentially a blood drive for the National Blood Transfusion Service, with an additional component of school supplies, personal care and food items for schools and shelters.

“We really want to give back. So, this is the second stop on a three-part donation drive, and so, we are giving back to Salt Spring Primary today and a shelter in the area as well. So, essentially it is part of our community outreach. Because everything that was donated today was donated by staff,” explained Bennett, who added, “it is really our way of showcasing that there is a dire need for a lot of the care items.”

Kelly Lawrence expressed gratitude to Proven for the gift.

“I am elated by the gift. We are often forgotten at Salt Spring, probably because we are too far. But any help we get, we are more than grateful,” said Kelly Lawrence.

“I am looking at the stationary which we can use. We have erasers, colouring pencils, construction paper, which can be used during visual arts classes…we can use the food items to enhance our breakfast programme,” added the acting principal.

The breakfast programme is aimed at encouraging students to attend school on a regular basis and to be punctual.

“Because sometimes they are here like twice per week. So, we are often considering ways and means to boost the attendance and punctuality,” said Kelly Lawrence.

The school, which serves communities such as Canterbury, Gully, Love Lane, Lower Salt Spring, Upper Salt Spring and Flower Hill, was constructed to house approximately 450 students. However, it currently has a population of only 180.