FOR recording artiste and evangelist Taneisha Shaw, giving to children is about far more than supplying a school bag, books or stationery. It is an opportunity to invest in their futures in a tangible way, as directed by the Lord. That conviction will once again guide Shaw on Saturday, August 29, when she hosts the fourth staging of her annual back-to-school treat at the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre.

Set to begin at 12 noon and open to the public, the initiative is expected to cater to approximately 100 children, providing them with school supplies ahead of the new academic year along with refreshments, rides and entertainment. But beneath the festivities is a mission deeply rooted in Shaw’s own childhood experiences and Christian faith.

“I remember being a child and not being able to get everything I needed for back-to-school,” she shared. “When I’m doing it I make sure I buy things that I would give to my child, because I only want to give the best.”

She traces that sense of obligation to the first staging, when she said she received clear spiritual direction regarding the outreach.

“The first time I hosted this treat the Lord told me I can’t stop,” she said. “So although it’s a challenge and sometimes I feel like I wouldn’t want to, I have to because it helps so many children.”

Four stagings later, the impact of that decision has been reinforced by encounters with parents whose circumstances remind Shaw why the initiative matters. One memory in particular has remained etched in her mind.

“A few years ago a mother came up to me and was thanking me for what I was doing. She said her son had just passed his exams and got a place in Kingston College, and she never knew what she was going to do regarding school,” Shaw recalled. “When she came and got her package she was so grateful, and that made my day.”

For Shaw, moments like that transform what could simply be considered an annual charitable exercise into something far more meaningful. “I believe giving is a gift,” she said. “When you sow into children’s lives you’re sowing into destiny because you don’t know what they will grow up to be — and you get a chance to be a part of that.”

Taneisha Shaw’s annual back-to-school treat continues to grow in size and impact..

It is a philosophy that also reflects the way Shaw approaches ministry. As a Christian recording artiste she has used her platform not only to share her faith through music, but also to rally support for causes she believes can make a tangible difference. She said persons who follow her ministry have increasingly assisted with the treat after witnessing its growth and recognising the needs it addresses.

“By ministering through my platform I have received some support because persons see what I’m doing and they love the effort,” she said. “If I say I need a certain amount of school bags they try to make that happen, and I’m so grateful for that.”

With each staging, Shaw has also challenged herself to expand the event.

“Every year I try to go bigger and better and improve,” she said.

This year’s beneficiaries will receive school supplies as well as a complimentary
Bible, while the entertainment package will feature Shaw herself alongside several invited guests. Dancehall artiste Pamputtae, with whom Shaw has a collaboration, is expected to make an appearance, while Ryan Davis, gospel veteran Prodigal Son, and DJ Rebirth are also billed for the day’s activities.

For Shaw, however, the entertainment and giveaways ultimately serve a larger purpose. The back-to-school period can place tremendous pressure on families already trying to meet everyday expenses, and she remains particularly mindful of mothers struggling to provide even basic school necessities. It is that reality, coupled with the spiritual mandate she believes was placed on her life, that continues to bring Shaw back each year.

One hundred children may represent this year’s target but Shaw’s outlook extends beyond numbers. For her, every bag handed over represents one less burden for a parent, every school item can help a child enter the classroom with greater confidence; and every act of kindness carries the possibility of touching a life long after the treat has ended.

Persons wishing to contribute to Saturday’s event may contact Shaw at
taneishash86@gmail.com, 876-858-2632, or reach out to her through social media.