CARIBBEAN Cement Company Limited (CCCL) has invested $3.5 million in book vouchers for back-to-school support to students living in nearby communities.

The vouchers are valued at $20,000 each and will benefit students from Rockfort and Harbour View in Kingston, Bull Bay in St Thomas along with Woodside and its environs in Clarendon.

Eight vouchers from the allotment, valued at $160,000, were donated to Project STAR which is a social and economic transformation initiative created by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica in partnership with the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

A further $1-million donation was handed over to the MultiCare Youth Foundation.

Addressing a handing-over ceremony at the CCCL’s sports club on Wednesday, the company’s Managing Director Jorge Martinez noted that the aim of these donations is to provide beneficiaries with essential resources to enhance their learning experience.

“To the students receiving these book vouchers, use your new supplies wisely and take good care of them. Your pens, pencils and textbooks are tools to help you achieve your academic goals this year,” said Martinez.

He encouraged parents and teachers to exercise patience and to support the children as they embark on the new school term.

For her part, director of projects and strategic management at the MultiCare Youth Foundation Mitzian Turner expressed gratitude to the cement company for continued support for the organisation which aims to direct at-risk youth away from crime and violence.

“We are able to do this through the ongoing support of our partners such as Carib Cement and we are honoured to be considered by them,” said Turner as she pointed out that Charlie Smith High School in Trench Town, St Andrew, will be a beneficiary of the support being given.

“The MultiCare Youth Foundation will also be delivering life-skills training to some students at the Charlie Smith High School. This is general training in conflict management, teaching them respect for themselves, others and their communities, as well as to assist them to manage their emotions,” Turner added.