THE Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has provided back-to-school assistance to more than 1,300 students across the island this year, with an investment of some $22 million in a wide-reaching programme.

The initiative, which spanned several parishes, is part of the company’s annual commitment to easing the financial burden on families while empowering students to start the new school year prepared.

Activities have included school supply distributions, health checks, and community fairs hosted in partnership with local leaders and organisations.

“Back-to-school can be a challenging time for many parents, and we know how important it is for children to feel prepared and confident when starting the new school year,” said Winsome Callum, director, corporate communications at JPS.

“This initiative is one way for us to give back to the communities we serve by supporting families and investing in the future of our children,” added Callum.

This year’s programme featured multiple activities, including JPS/ Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) back-to-school fairs in Riverton Meadows, St Andrew, and Chambers Pen, Hanover.

Back-to-school fairs were also held at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home in St Andrew and Raymond’s health centre in Clarendon.

In St Elizabeth, JPS teamed up with the Social Development Commission to host a back-to-school treat in Pedro Plains.

Additional presentations and award events were held in Portland, Manchester, and Trelawny, with the JPS team providing much-needed back-to-school supplies, tuition assistance, and encouragement to children and their families.

At the Maxfield Park Children’s Home, event organiser and former ward Sashawna Tomlinson expressed her gratitude for JPS’s partnership.

“Maxfield is more than just a children’s home – it is a family, it was my home – I was made here,” Tomlinson said.

“Having JPS stand with us at this time of year means the children begin the school year not only with supplies but with the encouragement that they are loved, supported, and valued. That kind of confidence is what helps them to dream bigger and believe in themselves,” added Tomlinson.