FOR 120 children living in State care across Jamaica’s southern region, this year’s return to school will look a little different.

Thanks to Supreme Ventures Foundation’s (SVF) annual Back-to-School Dental Clinic, they’ll walk into their classrooms with healthier smiles, fully stocked backpacks, and something harder to measure but just as vital — the knowledge that they are cared for and supported.

Held at Hanbury Home for Children in Manchester, the foundation’s flagship back-to-school event brought together children from Hanbury Home for Children (Manchester), Manning Children’s Home (St Elizabeth), and Summerfield Children’s Home (Clarendon) for a day that blended free dental care, school preparation, and pure fun.

“Every year, this clinic reminds us of the real difference small acts of care can make in a child’s life,” said Heather Goldson, executive director of the Supreme Ventures Foundation.

“Seeing 120 children leave with healthier smiles, full backpacks, and more than anything, a sense that they matter is exactly why the foundation continues to invest in this programme,” added Goldson.

Jhana Edwards, operations and activations manager at Supreme Ventures Limited, shares a playful moment with a ward of the State during the Supreme Ventures Foundation’s Back-to-School Dental Clinic. 

At the centre of it all was the Dent-Care Smile Clinic mobile unit, led by Dr Velmour Lyons-Morgan, which provided routine dental cleanings and check-ups for every child, sending them into the new school year with healthier smiles and greater confidence.

After a catered lunch, the mood shifted into pure celebration. Team games and sports filled the afternoon, building up to a talent showcase in which children took the stage for performances and open microphone moments, shining in front of their peers.

Throughout the day, a steady stream of giveaways and prizes kept spirits high, culminating in a final round of gift distribution. Every child received a backpack stocked with pencil cases, water bottles, dental kits, and for girls, personal care kits.

Beyond the games and giveaways, the day carried real financial weight: More than $600,000 in back-to-school vouchers were distributed to the children’s homes, easing the financial burden of school preparation for the caregivers and institutions that support these children year-round.

“It’s always special watching the children’s faces light up as they receive their backpacks and school supplies,” said Jhana Edwards, operations and activations manager at Supreme Ventures Limited.

A ward of the Sate receives a routine dental cleaning from the Dent-Care Smile Clinic team. The free check-up was part of the Supreme Ventures Foundation’s annual Back-to-School Dental Clinic, which serviced 120 children from across Jamaica’s southern region. 

“For many of these children, it’s the small things that make all the difference as they head back to school feeling ready and supported,” added Edwards.

The clinic also welcomed representatives of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), including Jason Brown, manager of alternate care services, and Francine Rhoomes, director for the Southern region (Manchester, St Elizabeth, and Clarendon), both of whom spent the day engaging with the children alongside the SVF team.

According to Goldson, that direct engagement is central to what the clinic is really about.

“Beyond the smiles and supplies, the event reflects a deeper mission for the foundation: strengthening mentorship and support systems for wards of the State through consistent, hands-on interaction with volunteers and partners while supporting their health, confidence, and overall well-being as they head back to school.

“This clinic is one of the clearest examples of what the foundation stands for. Every child deserves to feel cared for and prepared, and days like today are a reminder of the impact we can have when we show up consistently for children in State care,” added Goldson.