ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Close to 500 children’s books will be distributed to some schools across Jamaica as part of CB Group’s Child Month activities aimed at empowering the country’s youth through education, agriculture and sustainability.

The first donation of over 200 books, collected via the group’s internal book drive, was to McAuley Primary School in Spanish Town, St Catherine on Thursday, May 26.

The day commenced with a meet and greet with CB Group staff, teachers and children spanning grades four to six, followed by a read-along and discussion session about the importance of food security and the environment.

According to the group, McAuley Primary School was selected as the first benefiicary due to its proximity to The Nest —its eco-industrial agro park in Hill Run which includes livestock and crop operations — as well as collaborations that benefit the community.

The interactive discussion was led by Christopher Parkes, farm manager at Hill Run Farms, who specialises in broiler and pig operations.

Under the theme “Sustainable Farming”, Parkes highlighted career opportunities in agriculture while teaching the children about sustainability and important practices in farming like waste management.

During the visit, children’s book ‘Ziggy the Island Eco Superhero’ by local author Kerry-Ann Willis, was also read to the students. The book empowers children to understand that their voices and actions matter, and that they too can make a difference in creating a sustainable future.

At the reading, CB Group Brand Manager, Joelle Fontaine shared that, “With it being Child Month, it was important that we not only donate the books but continue to impart knowledge and inspire the children. While [CB Group] has various business lines and operations, we’re still an agricultural hub and at the end of the day with food security and self-sufficiency as national goals, we believe that agriculture provides the career of the future.”

“We want to change what Jamaicans — especially the younger generation — think of farming. It touches every part of our daily lives and the industry provides many different avenues for careers,” she continued.

Meanwhile, Principal of McAuley, Claudia Byer said: “It is a great initiative from CB to do this presentation to our students; we really appreciate it. From grades four to six, we incorporate topics on farming, the environment and climate change in our curriculum, hence why we have these children here today, so I know it will be of great help to them going forward.”

Child Month is observed in May.