Back-to-school support for St Philip students

In an effort to help families acquire essential school supplies and reduce the financial strain often felt by families with the start of a new academic year, the Michael Lashley Foundation has launched a back-to-school initiative providing cash vouchers to assist 100 children in St Philip with preparations for the upcoming school term.

Chairman of the Michael Lashley Foundation, Michael Lashley, KC, said the initiative, done in collaboration with DSK Clothing Wear, aligns with the Foundation’s mission to empower communities in St Philip and beyond by reducing educational barriers and creating opportunities for vulnerable families.

Saying that a number of the vouchers have already been distributed with the remaining to be handed out over the weekend, Lashley, the former representative for St Philip North, emphasised the significance of the initiative, saying that by investing in young people, the foundation continued to advance its vision of fostering “stronger, fairer, and more resilient communities across St Philip and Barbados as a whole”.

“Education is a powerful tool for building brighter futures, not only for individual children but for our society. Families frequently struggle with the costs of uniforms, books, and supplies at the beginning of the school year. By offering vouchers to children in St Philip, we are easing this burden and enabling parents to concentrate on what truly matters—supporting their children’s growth and success,” he said. “This partnership, bolstered by the invaluable support of DSK Clothing Wear, exemplifies the strength of community collaboration. We believe that investing in our children means investing in the future of Barbados.”

He said that through the back-to-school initiative, the foundation is seeking to ensure that nursery, primary and secondary schoolchildren in the parish start the school year feeling prepared and confident.

Lashley added, “Our children deserve every opportunity to flourish. When we unite to support them, we fortify not only their future but our own.” (PR/BT)