KINGSTON, Jamaica— NCB Foundation Director and proud alumna of St Andrew High School for Girls, Sharon Williams was filled with emotion and nostalgia on Friday as she handed over $250,000 to the school’s Sister Care programme.

The donation to the initiative, which is close to Williams’ heart, was part of the Director’s Pick under NCB Foundation’s Grant a Wish programme.

“Standing here today brings back so many memories of my time at this incredible school,” said Williams.

“St Andrew High School taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of community. Supporting the Sister Care programme is my way of giving back to the place that shaped me and to support the young women who walk these halls today,” she added.

The Sister Care programme is an initiative started by the St Andrew High School’s Old Girls Association (SAOGA). The programme helps students on welfare, providing essential items such as canned goods, toiletries, and other necessities.

“We started the programme in 2018, but the need became greater in 2020 due to COVID-19,” said Julaine James, president of the SAOGA.

“At first we had a cohort of about 80 students on welfare, and that mushroomed into 200 students,” she added.

Continuing, James said: “What we found was that the girls were going to teachers and guidance counsellors for support, so we stepped in to provide a basket of goods and toiletries. This contribution goes a long way to help to fill these students’ needs. It is encouraging when the girls write back and say things like ‘you don’t know the impact this one tin of mackerel has made’. We have seen where the items not only feed the girls, but also their siblings and other family members.”

“We do not want the young ladies to be thinking about where the next meal will come from. We want them focused on doing their studies. I have seen the benefit of this programme and massive impact it has on the students,” Williams said, reiterating the SAOGA president’s sentiments.

Keeva Ingram, principal of the St Andrew High School for Girls, expressed the school’s gratitude for the donation.

“The Sister Care programme showcases the power of community and the strength of sisterhood. A big part of the SAOGA is the motivation to care for their sisters. This contribution will touch many lives,” Ingram said.

The foundation said it continues to inspire positive change and strengthen the bonds of community through initiatives like this.

It added that with this being its 12th year, $15 million in wishes will be granted to individuals and organisations in need, creating opportunities for progress and growth.