Some 150 children from communities across Kingston and St Andrew and St Catherine were the recipients of educational grants that were presented by the House of SDM recently at the National Baptist Full Gospel Church in the Kingston 13 area.

The grants are to assist students in preparing for the new school year.

House of SDM Chairman and Founder, Sheldon Millington, a philanthropist at heart and an executive in corporate Jamaica, shared details about the initiative.

“This year, we introduced a scholarship in association with the YVT Foundation. We gave four recipients starting high school $35,000 each. Our educational grant saw us purchase textbooks for 150 children from their book list. The educational grant and scholarship represent a total programme value of $2,500,000 for 154 beneficiaries,” Millington told Observer Online on Wednesday.

Millington, who is from humble beginnings and who once resided in the Kingston 13 area, explained why he decided to undertake the initiative.

“I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and breaking cycles of disadvantage. As the founder of the House of SDM, I wanted to provide meaningful support to children and families who may struggle to meet the financial demands of a new school year,” he said.

Millington said the initiative was also a reminder to the children that their circumstances do not determine their future.

“Through education, encouragement, mentorship, and community support, we can help unlock their potential and give them greater opportunities to succeed. This initiative reflects the House of SDM’s commitment to love, light and laughter and to empowering vulnerable members of our communities,” he said.

According to Millington, the recipients were selected based on their educational and financial needs, with consideration given to children and families who would benefit meaningfully from the assistance.

“The selection process aimed to ensure the support reached children who needed it most and could use it to begin the new school year with greater confidence and dignity.”

Oshaine Osborne, a student at Kingston College was one of the lucky recipients of an educational grant. He received the symbolic cheque from Sheldon Millington, while Dr Lilleth Tomlinson looked on.

As a child growing up in the Whitfield Town area of Kingston, Millington experienced poverty around him. But even though life was rough, he shared whatever he had with neigbours and schoolmates and he developed a passion for helping others. Those values have stayed with him into adulthood, where he has made several philanthropic efforts through the years.

“The truth is that I have dedicated my life to giving back. During my preparatory school years, I was awarded a scholarship, not because of exceptional intelligence but because of my consistent efforts to serve others. When classmates are ill, I would assist by escorting them to the sick bay and providing care. In high school, I established a committee that organised fundraising activities to support children who lacked sufficient funds, providing them with lunch money.

“During my childhood in Withfield Town, I saved my lunch money and kept treats for the children in the community during holidays. My commitment to helping others began the day I was able to reach out and hold the hands of those most vulnerable, hurting and disenfranchised,” Millington disclosed.

He shared what inspired his philanthropic efforts.

“I come from a foundational standpoint that embodies love and service. My fundamental nature is characterised by love, compassion and a willingness to extend my assistance beyond my immediate circle, including family, friends and personal boundaries, to serve those who are most vulnerable. I am inherently a caring individual, committed to offering help whenever possible. This dedication exemplifies my commitment to serving others,” Millington said.

Last November, just weeks after the passing of Hurricane Melissa, Millington donated relief items including grocery items, to residents of Amity in eastern Westmoreland. And then in December, Millington organised a Christmas treat for senior citizens in the Whitfield Town area. He also arranged a treat for children within the community of Rae Town on New Year’s Day.