Church Community Local News Nearly 300 children benefit from back-to-school church outreach Shamar Blunt08/08/2026016 views There were several activities for children to enjoy. (Photo credit: Shamar Blunt) Nearly 300 children are receiving health screenings, vaccinations and other services as part of a back-to-school community outreach initiative hosted by the Church of God in Christ at its Layne’s Road, Brittons Hill location. The initiative, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the One Family Programme, saw 289 students registered to benefit from the programme. Speaking to Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of the event, Bishop of Barbados and the Caribbean Paul L. Fortson said the church had been coming to Barbados for 27 years and decided to take this year’s initiative “to another level”. Diane VanDyke, supervisor of the Barbados and Caribbean Jurisdiction Department of Women, said the outreach was an opportunity to provide much-needed services to families in the community. “I’m just so excited to be here today (Saturday) because the Lord commissioned us to be here in 2026 [in this] back-to-school community outreach initiative. It’s a blessing to be able to provide these services for the families in the communities and to bless these children,” she said. VanDyke said the programme was able to register 289 students and provide services, including vaccinations and health screenings, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness. She also highlighted support from sponsors, including the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust and the One Family Programme. Donna Barker, senior health promotion officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said this was the second time the ministry had partnered with the Church of God in Christ, Barbados District, on the initiative. She said children were receiving dental and eye screenings, along with routine vaccinations where necessary. “We are seeing a constant flow of parents and children coming through to get their screening done, and it’s very important because we know that the children need to get checked in terms of how they’re progressing in terms of their milestones,” Barker said. She also underscored the importance of identifying potential eyesight and dental problems early, including eye deficiencies, diseases and cavities.