HOPE Gospel Assembly will host its 10th annual back-to-school fair on the church grounds in Liguanea, St Andrew, this Saturday.

The fair, which is scheduled to begin at 7:30 am, is geared at providing scholarships and necessary school supplies for children in the lower-income communities surrounding Liguanea and Barbican Road, as well as those in August Town, Gordon Town, Trench Town, and Treadways.

“This year, Portmore Gospel Assembly will also be a centre of distribution,” said Hope Gospel Assembly’s senior pastor, Rev Peter Garth. “We hope to distribute a total of 4,000 bags and over 250 scholarships.”

Pointing to late South African president Nelson Mandela’s declaration that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Rev Garth said that the theme for this year’s fair is: ‘I am not here to be average, I am here to be awesome.’

“Truly we want the kids to think and feel positive about their success. Our records reflect that over 60 per cent of the children are getting higher grades and we might have to move the qualification average of 70 per cent to 80 per cent next year because of how well the children are doing,” Rev Garth said in reference to the requirements for the scholarships presented at he fair.

“This year we are eternally grateful to Bethel Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama; City Life Church, Tampa, Florida; Impact Church of Tampa, Florida; Olivet Gospel Church, New York; and Cross Culture Church, Lithonia, Georgia for their tremendous support,” Rev Garth said.

He also thanked National Commercial Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank, Sagicor, GraceKennedy, Jamaica Broilers, Jamaica National Group, and Insurance Company of the West Indies.

“These local companies have supported this venture for seven years and over; therefore, we could not have accomplished much without them,” he said.

Rev Garth also issued an appeal for more funds for scholarships and hardcover composition books, adding, “The needs are real and your input is vital.”