A fund-raising drive to purchase monitors for the second-form classrooms at Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” in Kingston has received a donation of $350,000 from the Digicel Foundation.

The fund-raising drive is organised by Alpha Academy Alumnae Association Jamaica chapter (AAAAJ) which had previously received more than $1 million contributed by Alpha alumnae and their networks during the 2021-2022 Monitor Drive, as well as from the 5K Virtual Walk/Run fund-raising effort.

“The Digicel Foundation is so happy to support the Alpha Alumnae Association with their drive to provide monitor screens in their classrooms,” a news release quotes Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels. “Closing the digital divide is very important to how we move forward as a nation, and it starts with our youth. We are so happy to see the Alpha Alumnae Association taking on this task and wish Alpha Academy and the association all the best.”

Stacey Williams, the AAAAJ president, expressed gratitude to the Digicel Foundation and other corporate donors, as well as the Alpha alumnae and friends, for their generous donations.

“We are delighted to continue to support the needs of the students and of the school. The monitors will help our Alpha sisters to participate more successfully in the day-to-day learning activities in the classroom. In addition to the funds raised for monitors, contributions have also been received to help to fund the Alpha Welfare Programme, which provides lunch for students in need,” Williams said.

Alpha Academy Principal Kali McMorris expressed appreciation on behalf of the staff and students of Alpha Academy for the effort to help the school.

“We want to thank our big sisters for their support which reminds us that we have a family here at Alpha, and we are always supported. It is the magic of Alpha — that is the thing that makes us different — and the love of our big sisters and all our family as we work always towards the good and the true,” McMorris said.

In addition to Digicel, corporate donations were received from National Commercial Bank, JMMB Foundation, StaceySpeaks, KML Enterprises, Puerto Anton Developers, Chicken & Tings, PROComm Limited, The Jamaica National Group, JN Foundation, J & J Pharmacy & Medical Centre, Total Health Services, Great House Pharmacy, and Cambridge Cash & Carry Supermarket.