Students from ‘neglected’ St Michael communities get back-to-school donations

Days before the start of the new academic year, several children benefited from a back-to-school initiative by community activist Dr Janal Browne. 

On Wednesday, he donated school supplies, bags and vouchers to children in a few St Michael communities that he said were often neglected. Browne said he wanted to ensure that the students were properly equipped for the start of school next week and offer words of encouragement.

“We have chosen Deacons and other St Michael communities that are not being looked at. It is important to make sure that children have supplies when they return to school. There are a lot of areas in St Michael that people complain of being neglected and we wanted to show these children love,” he said. 

Malachi Odle (centre) received a donation from Dr Janal Browne (left) as his grandmother Marcia Odle (right) looks on. (SZB)

Browne, who is also a Justice of the Peace, added: “Great things come out of hard places. People look at youngsters in this community as bad boys, not knowing that these young people have talent and a lot of footballers come out of Deacons. I think we need to give young men opportunities and develop long-term mentorship programmes for them.”

The business said he was also helping shopkeepers, convenience store owners and other entrepreneurs develop strategies to boost their businesses. 

Marcia Odle of Weekes’ Land, Goodland said she was pleased that her grandson Malachi Odle was a beneficiary of the programme. She said these were tough economic times and “every bit counts”. 

“A lot of people out there have nothing and if you receive something you should be thankful. I am very thankful for this,” she added, pointing out that her 14-year-old grandson was working toward earning a football scholarship. 

In Rosemont, Deacons, Ingrid Edwards thanked Browne for his contribution, stating that it would go a long way in assisting her granddaughter Shanirah Chase who is set to start classes at Ellerslie Secondary next Monday. (SZB) 

Dr Janal Browne (left) donated school supplies to Shanirah Chase (centre). At right is her grandmother Ingrid Edwards. (SZB)