KINGSTON, Jamaica — Restaurants of Jamaica Limited, the company that operates the KFC franchises, participated in the national observance of Read Across Jamaica Day on May 6 with visits to the Clan Carthy and Tarrant Primary Schools.

KFC Jamaica’s Marketing Manager Andrei Roper paid a visit to Clan Carthy Primary, while Marketing Officer Kandine West brought the initiative to life at Tarrant Primary. Both representatives engaged directly with students, reading carefully selected books and encouraging active participation through discussion and prizes. The goal was to inspire a love of reading and underscore the long-term value of literacy in shaping young lives.

“At KFC Jamaica, we believe that the future of Jamaica rests in the hands and minds of our children. Reading opens doors that nothing else can. Being present with these students was more than symbolic; it was a reminder of how vital it is to nurture curiosity and critical thinking from an early age,” said Andrei Roper.

Kandine West described the experience as both humbling and fulfilling.

“To watch students engage so deeply with the stories, asking questions, sharing thoughts, and making connections, was incredibly moving,” she said. “These moments go beyond the page. They prove that education can make a difference when met with care and creativity.”

Over the years, KFC has supported numerous initiatives that provide mentorship, academic support and community upliftment. From the construction of reading rooms at parish libraries to scholarship programmes, back-to-school drives and feeding programmes, KFC has remained a trusted ally in empowering and uplifting Jamaica’s youth.

This year’s Read Across Jamaica Day activities were designed not only to celebrate the joy of reading but also to create safe, interactive spaces where students felt seen, heard and supported. The addition of spot prizes for students helped further motivate participation, however, it was the shared connection between readers and students that proved most impactful.

Clan Carthy Primary School students proudly display their vouchers with broad smiles, following an engaging Read Across Jamaica Day session with KFC Marketing Manager Andrei Roper. (Contributed Photo).