BELFIELD, St Mary — Principal of Belfield Primary School Michael Calvert is crediting a 15-year partnership with Dallas-based non-profit organisation Jamaica Youth Education Support (Jamaica YES) for helping to boost students’ performance in the recent Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams.

“Not only have we seen a reduction in students coming to school late, but teachers have also [noted] that students who were considered struggling with reading have improved. This was due to the students showing interest in the early morning reading and PEP classes,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

He said this year’s results were “exceptional”.

“They are the cohort of the Covid students. However, these students utilised the early morning classes and breakfast which is provided,” an elated Calvert said.

He said 10 students will attend St Mary High in September, six were awarded places at St Mary Technical, five are destined for Marymount High, and one each has secured a spot at Titchfield High, Dinthill Technical High, and Annotto Bay High.

Completely run by volunteers, Jamaica YES works to help support the country’s schools and students who are most in need. Belfield Primary is one of three St Mary schools that benefit from its breakfast programme. The others are Baxter’s Mountain Primary and Jeffrey Town Basic School.

During the pandemic when students had to transition to online teaching and learning platforms, Jamaica YES provided Emergency Food Assistance to households in need. Breakfast, which is considered the most important meal of the day, is prepared by parent volunteers.

“I have seen where some students who used to be late are now on time and their mannerisms have improved. They come and say, ‘Thank you, please and excuse me’,” said parent Sherine Brown Linton, who has been volunteering for more than three years.

She told the Observer she enjoys giving back, especially when she sees improvements in students’ behaviour and academic performance.

Brown Linton operates a small business in the community but she makes time to help. She said she is at school as early as 6:00 am to start preparing breakfast for an 8:00 am serving time.

“As long as this programme is in place I will continue to play my part,” she promised with a broad smile.

The daily menu consists of porridge (oats or cornmeal), fried egg, bread, or boiled ground provision with vegetables and fruits which are in season.

Principal Calvert, who is the first past student to hold that position at the school, is also grateful to community members who he said often reach out to ask what they can contribute towards the breakfast programme.

“We have farmers from the community that would make contributions to us, and we have our school garden that also helps to supplement the meals,” Calvert told the Observer.

About half of the 130 students enrolled benefit from the breakfast programme. One third-grader, whose name is being withheld to protect her privacy, explained what it means for her.

“Many mornings I would just have some tea before coming to school; but when I come Aunty Ava [Brown Linton] gives me my breakfast,” she said shyly.

Founded in 2004, Jamaica YES currently supports 16 basic and primary schools across six parishes, providing more than 1,000 nutritious meals each day. It also provides transportation for some students along with scholarships for those moving from primary to high school. Jamaica YES also built a fully equipped computer lab at Belfield Primary School in 2023 with support from long-time sponsors Globe Life Insurance and Dallas American Airlines.