RESTAURANTS of Jamaica, through its brand KFC, has deepened its commitment to child welfare by donating $1 million to support National Child Month 2025.

The sponsorship comprises $500,000 in cash, plus $500,000 worth of meals which will be distributed as part of care packages to vulnerable children islandwide.

This year’s National Child Month theme, ‘Act Now! Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation’, highlights the urgent need to protect children from violence and exploitation. The initiative is led by the National Child Month Committee, with KFC Jamaica returning as a key sponsor.

“We believe wholeheartedly in preserving the rights of our children and keeping them safe,” said Andrei Roper, marketing manager at KFC Jamaica.

“We all have a responsibility not only to speak out against child injustice, but to play an active role in ensuring our children are able to live in a safe, loving and nurturing environment, free of prejudice and abuse, so that they can learn, grow and thrive and realise their full potential.

“We commend the efforts of the National Child Month Committee, not just during Child Month but throughout the year, and we stand side by side with them to help make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our children and our communities,” added Roper.

While KFC has consistently supported the initiative in recent years, the 2025 sponsorship represents an increase that reflects the company’s commitment to making a tangible impact.

National Child Month Committee Chairperson Nicole Patrick-Shaw welcomed the support and emphasised the campaign’s relevance amid ongoing challenges facing Jamaican children. “After a situational assessment of the Jamaican landscape we selected the theme…to reflect the pressing and heartbreaking reality that violence against children remains a critical public health and human rights issue in Jamaica.

“We encourage all Jamaicans, if you cannot participate in our national activities, create your own. Be a child’s keeper. Act from where you stand,” implored Patrick-Shaw.

Established decades ago, the National Child Month Committee has grown into a national voice for child advocacy, coordination and engagement, guided by its founding motto: “Children need our care; children need our love and protection.”

Speaking at the launch of Child Month 2025 on Thursday, patron of the activities Douglas Orane reinforced the urgency of the cause.

“We have a thousand schools in Jamaica, and my objective is to make them a thousand great schools and lift all the students to the same level. When I hear children so well educated about abuse and ready to report it to a teacher, a guidance counsellor, a pastor, whomever, they give me hope.

“The key lesson is that we can fix this in one generation. We don’t have to wait. We do it now — and so Child Month 2025 aims to contribute exactly to that,” said Orane.