ST THOMAS, Jamaica — Residents of Dalvey and neighbouring communities in St Thomas benefited from the annual Back-to-School Treat and Education Assistance Programme organised by the Smile Saver Foundation, on Saturday.

The initiative, now in its second year, was held at Dalvey Primary and Infant School and sought to equip and empower more than 200 students with essential back-to-school supplies, resources and encouragement ahead of the new academic year.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of the Smile Saver Foundation, Chantal Richards, said the organisation is primarily focused on oral-hygiene education, providing oral-health tools to children in low-socioeconomic communities and offering educational support through its back-to-school initiatives.

“Last year, we were able to assist 120 students to go back to school. This year, our organisation is providing 200 packages to children in the community and also those who are coming from outside of the community,” she said.

Richards said the event was also intended to provide a day of relief and enjoyment for students, parents, caregivers and members of the school community.

“We’re just here to create an uplifting day for our students, our parents, our caregivers, the staff of the school, and just for everyone to come out and enjoy,” she told JIS News.

Richards said her decision to host the initiative in Dalvey was personal, as she has strong ties to the community.

“This location was selected because I am from the community of Dalvey. I was born, raised right here; I went to school right here,” she explained.

The Smile Saver Foundation is dedicated to empowering local youth through educational support and community wellness initiatives. Its key areas of focus include oral health awareness and education, community empowerment and student support.

Richards said the programme is particularly important for families who may be experiencing financial challenges.

“I think the major thing for them is just coming somewhere that they’re able to just breathe and relax and not worry about what they’re facing right now,” she said.

She noted that, in addition to receiving school supplies, beneficiaries were able to access food and medical services, which can help to ease some of the financial pressures faced by families.

“They’re able to get something to eat… they’re able to get the relief from the school supplies as well as the medicals that are happening today, which would be a big financial help to some of them who have to bring their children,” Richards said.

As a registered dental hygienist, she also uses the foundation’s oral-hygiene programme to reach children in communities across the island.

“Through the oral-hygiene education aspect of the foundation, I do travel to different locations to provide the oral-hygiene education and the supplies,” she explained.

Richards said these outreach activities allow her to assess the needs of communities and determine how the foundation can provide further assistance.

“With that, I’m also able to assess and see what their need is… but for my core people of Dalvey, I am trying with God’s help, and with the help of our sponsors I will be here every single year and as long as the Lord graces me with life and good health,” she said.

Richards said she intends to continue the annual initiative in Dalvey, while expanding the foundation’s outreach to other communities in need.

—    JIS