AS families across Jamaica prepare for the new school year, the Digicel Foundation is helping to ease the financial burden of back-to-school preparations, delivering more than 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students across selected schools, special needs institutions, and community groups.

The annual initiative is part of the Digicel Foundation’s continued commitment to education and community development.

This year, the programme took on added significance for families in western Jamaica, where more than 300 of the 500-plus students receiving support were affected by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa last October.

Each backpack was packed with care by members of the Digicel Foundation team and included practical supplies such as books, pencils, pens, colouring books, geometry sets, and rulers — items designed to help students return to the classroom prepared and ready to learn.

For Digicel Foundation CEO Charmaine Daniels, the initiative is about standing with families at a time when they need support most.

“We know how difficult this time of the year is for many parents, especially those in the west who have to add back-to-school expenses to the many challenges they are already facing after experiencing a Category 5 hurricane. As a foundation committed to education and community development, we wanted to play our part,” said Daniels.

Among the beneficiaries was the Catherine Hall Special Education Unit in St James, where Special Needs Unit Coordinator Marsha Rigg-Kerr expressed gratitude for the foundation’s continued support of students with special needs.

“Every year, our parents can count on the Digicel Foundation to lend a helping hand where back-to-school supplies are concerned. As you know, many of our students were impacted by the hurricane, so these supplies are very much welcomed. They will make a meaningful difference to our students and their families, and we are truly thankful to the Digicel Foundation for continuing to support our children,” said Rigg-Kerr.