WITH the new school year swiftly approaching, members of Jamaica Information Service (JIS) have helped to put a smile on the faces of residents at Mount Olivet Boys’ Home.

Twenty-nine residents received shoes, uniforms, books, and stationery at the annual back-to-school visit, held last Saturday at the home in Walderston, Manchester.

Before the handover of the items the boys were engaged in discussions surrounding aviation, innovation, agriculture and art.

The session, led by acting special projects manager at JIS Charnele Henry, gave the boys important insight into careers they can venture into, following their departure from school.

“Some of you will be leaving school soon, and we want you to start thinking about the careers you would like to go into so that you can become good citizens and can give back to society in a positive way,” Henry encouraged the boys.

The back-to-school visit is one of three to the home annually by JIS as part of its ongoing support for the facility. A sports day, Christmas visit, and birthday celebrations are other ways in which the State agency supports the nurturing and development of the residents.

This year’s visit was sponsored by Dr Sue and You Foundation, Econo Office and School Supplies, Trade Winds Citrus, Joseph’s, and Sammy’s Shoes Jamaica.

In accepting the donation, head of the board of the boys’ home, Sophia Morgan expressed gratitude to JIS for its continued support over the years, adding that a sound education is one of its priorities.

“Education is one of the things that we promote highly for our residents. We know they are from different backgrounds, we know there are different challenges that they have, and so school is one area that we hope to get them a little more focused,” said Morgan.

She added that the home is resolute in its efforts to provide an environment that promotes holistic development for its residents.

“We have instituted a wellness programme where the boys wake up in the mornings, do their devotions, and then go outside for physical exercise.

“We want to ensure that the spiritual and physical well-being [of the boys] is integrated in the whole behavioural change that we are promoting at the home,” added Morgan.

In the meantime, 100 layers were donated to the home on Saturday by Jamaica Broilers Group, while a greenhouse project is set to commence soon with bell peppers acquired by the home.