In keeping with the season of giving, Digicel underscored its commitment towards youth education through a surprise Christmas treat at Nugent Academy in Seivwright Gardens, St Andrew.

Nugent Academy, founded by the inspirational anti-crime advocate 14-year-old Ackeef Nugent, serves as an after-school homework centre and tutoring programme dedicated to assisting students as young as six years old in his community with their academics.

Joining hands for this initiative, the entire Digicel family gifted the centre with one year of free Internet, including Youth SIMs and data plans for participants, smart devices and other academic-ready gifts.

In addition, 10 laptops were awarded to the top performing students. The centre also received 10 tablets and 10 PEP kits courtesy of Digicel Foundation; stationery, and book store vouchers, along with ice cream and cake from Digicel’s Sports and Social Club.

In expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of support from Digicel, Nugent said: “I am very happy, excited, and extremely thankful for these donations because they will greatly enhance learning in the classroom, making it more fun and interactive for our students.”

More than 40 students have already benefited from an enhanced learning experience since the academy was launched and working with his team of four student-teachers, Nugent is now in expansion mode.

“My goal is to have the Nugent Academy across all 14 parishes. Here in Kingston, we have already begun live streaming our sessions to reach more students, including offering tutoring for one student as far as Barbados. We are excited for the support received so that this school may continue,” added Nugent.

The Digicel donation effort was led by Tari Lovell, the company’s chief marketing officer, who shared his enthusiasm about the plans that Nugent has for his place of learning:

“We are thrilled to support a cause as impactful as this one. Witnessing Ackeef and his team’s dedication to serving their community is truly inspiring. Similarly, Digicel is committed to youth education and supporting grass roots initiatives like these to ensure a brighter future for our youth,” said Lovell.

Digicel’s support for Nugent Academy formed part of the digital operator’s ‘Christmas is a 10’ promotion and the culmination of its massive give-back of more than $200 million in cash and prizes to celebrate 22 years of service to Jamaica.