CHILDREN in the paediatric ward at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital were not forgotten for Read Across Jamaica Day 2026.

KFC Jamaica took its activities to children in health-care and school settings, creating moments of connection, comfort and learning at the hospital as well as at Tarrant Primary School in St Andrew.

More than a reading exercise, the initiative focused on creating safe, engaging spaces where children could feel at ease, participate freely and enjoy the experience, in keeping with this year’s Child Month focus on children’s mental and emotional well-being.

At the St Ann’s Bay Hospital, KFC Marketing Officer Kandine West — accompanied by team members — engaged children on the paediatric ward through an interactive session held in the playroom.

Taking time to connect with the children, the team created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that encouraged participation, allowing the children to ease into the activity, share their thoughts and engage with the stories in a way that felt both comfortable and enjoyable.

The session also included the donation of books to the ward, along with vouchers for children, nurses and parents.

West later reflected on what it meant to take the initiative to the paediatric ward.

“Read Across Jamaica Day is always special for us, but bringing it into a hospital setting was very intentional. We understand that this is not a place children choose to be, so it was important for us to create a moment where they could feel relaxed, engaged and simply enjoy themselves.

“Even if just for a little while, if we can bring a sense of comfort and a few smiles that means a lot. Especially during Child Month, when the focus is on mental and emotional well-being, these small interactions can make a meaningful difference,” said West.

Operations manager at the hospital Debbie Ann Henry welcomed the initiative and noted the positive impact on the young patients.

“Moments like these make a meaningful difference for our children. The team created an environment where they could relax, participate and simply enjoy the experience. We truly appreciate the time and care that went into this visit,” said Henry.

KFC’s engagement continued in St Andrew, where Marketing Manager Andrei Roper visited Tarrant Primary School, engaging students in Grades 2 and 3 through interactive sessions designed to build confidence and encourage a love for reading through discussion and participation.

Roper noted the importance of creating spaces that support both learning and children’s overall well-being.

“Reading is an important part of that, but so is creating an environment where our children feel seen, heard and confident enough to participate. Especially during Child Month, those small moments of encouragement and connection can have a lasting impact,” said Roper.

He pointed out that KFC Jamaica’s participation in Read Across Jamaica Day reflects its wider contribution to Child Month 2026, highlighted by its $1-million investment in the National Child Month Committee’s annual programme of activities across the country.

“Alongside this, KFC Jamaica continues to focus on creating direct, on-the-ground experiences that allow for meaningful engagement with the communities it serves, building on its long-standing commitment to youth development through initiatives spanning education, mentorship and community support,” said Roper.

Andrei Roper, marketing manager at KFC, enjoying a reading session at Tarrant Primary for Read Across Jamaica Day on Tuesday.