FREE TOWN, Clarendon — More than 200 students from Free Town and surrounding communities received backpacks, $180,000 worth of scholarships, and four tablets during an annual back-to-school treat and health fair put on by Miracle Tabernacle Free Town Church of God of Prophecy recently.

The event was organised by Free Town Foundation, a subsidiary of the church. Students also received free medical check-ups that were provided through Clarendon Health Services, which was an event partner.

Ronnaiya Royal, 15, who will be entering grade 10 at Vere Technical High School in September, is among the tablet recipients.

“I am happy and grateful because I was struggling to do my school-based assessment. I started them in grade nine and my laptop wasn’t working so I didn’t get to finish them, so this will help me out big time. Thanks to the Free Town Foundation; I am grateful for the assistance and this will make a difference,” she said.

Natalia Gayle received a scholarship valued at $25,000 which she said will aid in all aspects of her back-to-school preparation.

“My parents are having a challenge making ends meet right now, plus I have two other siblings,” said the grateful 15-year-old Denbigh High School student.

“Thank you very much for this scholarship and may God bless you all,” she added.

Joanie James, who is a social worker with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, delivered the keynote address during the donation ceremony. She encouraged recipients to give back to organisations and foundations that have helped them.

“Education is a key investment in your child so parents, despite the many challenges you may face, don’t give up. A lot of persons use education to gain their financial freedom so as parents you should speak positive things over your children and encourage them to be the best they can be. Spend the time with them, ensure they do their work, and overall be there for them and support them,” she said while encouraging students to pursue their passion.

“In Clarendon we have been doing a series of parenting workshops and we have seen that the relationships the parents are supposed to have with their children are not there. The daughters are getting into various activities such as smoking and drinking and the young men are selling drugs in the schools. You need to be mindful of these things,” she warned.

“As parents with children who will be going to high school you need to give them a pep talk, as they will be going into a new environment. Tell them to be mindful of the friends they keep; don’t drink everything your friends offer you because sometimes they put Molly in the drink and give them and they take it — so they need to be mindful of these things. They can’t be too careful. And they should not leave their bags unattended because if a search is taking place, a friend may drop the drugs in their bags and then your child ends up in trouble. So, be mindful of the friends you keep; keep positive friends,” she urged.