HUNDREDS of students in the Font Hill community and surrounding areas in St Thomas are now better prepared for the new school year, thanks to the Karing Hearts Foundation’s eighth annual health fair and back-to-school treat.

Founder Kayann Wallace has described the August 15 event, held in Font Hill, as a success, with the students receiving school bags, books, and medical checks, courtesy of various stakeholders and sponsors.

According to Wallace, she continuously sees the staging of the event as her way of keeping a promise she made to God some years ago.

“This initiative was born out of my personal experience when my daughter faced a health challenge and I had to trust God for provision. After receiving help, I made a promise to give back to the community,” said Wallace.

The event offered free blood pressure and sugar checks, HIV and syphilis tests as well as counselling for children and adolescents.

“Our goal is to promote health, wellness, and community development. We are grateful for our stakeholders,” added Wallace as she pointed to entities, including the Ministry of Justice, Teen Hub, the St Thomas Health Department, InTown Medical Centre, and others.

Wallace also announced that this year’s back-to-school treat will have a second instalment this Sunday at the Fire Baptised Holiness Church of God in Font Hill.

With the support of Digicel Foundation, Wallace and her team will be giving away school bags to students in Font Hill and neighbouring communities. There will also be refreshment and a guest speaker who will provide the children with vital information to keep them safe and aware.

“We are committed to supporting our communities’ youth and empowering them for a brighter future,” said Wallace as she urged Jamaicans to be more mindful in their interactions with each other.

“I just want to encourage each and every one, anybody you come in contact with, ensure that you put a smile on their face. You don’t have to have money to put a smile on one’s face, you don’t know what they are going through, and just one word can change the entire thing,” added Wallace.

— JIS