KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Friends of Porus (FOP) has hailed its recently held homecoming as a major success after three days of activities brought residents, returning community members and supporters together in Porus, Manchester.

Held under the theme “Welcome Back – Homecoming 2026”, the event reflected FOP’s longstanding commitment to education, healthcare and community development. More than 200 students, parents, seniors and other residents benefited from the activities.

The Student Workshop and Mathematics Competition attracted over 120 students, with organisers reporting improved mathematics scores and increased participation from younger children. The top performers received laptops and engraved trophies, while every student received a backpack filled with school supplies.

“Seeing a second grader sitting a grade five-level test was very encouraging,” said Clayton Robinson, chairperson of FOP’s Student Affairs Committee.

More than 25 parents also participated in a parenting seminar featuring presentations from police officers, former students and professionals from Jamaica and the diaspora.

The community street fair brought further excitement with performances by Biggs Don, Singer Shine and Porus-born Derrick Parker. Residents also received more than $10,000 in phone credit and prizes.

The homecoming concluded with a free health fair, where approximately 75 students received medical examinations and immunisations. Seniors were also provided with checkups and treatment, with more than 100 patients assisted overall.

FOP President Carson Robinson said the strong response demonstrated the important role the organisation continues to play in Porus.

“FOP has become a household name, and people are genuinely relying on us for much-needed help to get and keep students back in school,” he said.

FOP’s work will continue through its annual shoe drive. The organisation has raised more than $1 million and, in partnership with Give Back Jamaica, will distribute over 300 pairs of properly fitted school shoes to students attending approximately eight schools.