Jamaica's National Education Trust to host back-to-school event in St. Elizabeth

The National Education Trust (NET), in collaboration with a coalition of public, private, and diaspora organizations, is set to host its annual Back-to-School Pop-Up Village in St. Elizabeth next month. The event, scheduled for Friday, August 14, at Barbary Hall Primary and Infant School, aims to equip families with essential resources as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

This initiative holds particular significance as it seeks to support families still recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Melissa, while simultaneously aiding students in their readiness for the 2026/27 academic year. Attendees will gain access to a range of provisions, including school supplies, educational materials, free medical health checks, personal care items, and engaging recreational and cultural activities.

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At the National Education Trust, we believe that every child deserves to begin the new school year with confidence, dignity and hope. This Back-to-School Pop-Up Village is a reflection of what can be achieved when organisations unite around a shared commitment to the children of Jamaica.

Latoya Harris-Ghartey, Executive Director of the NET, emphasized the power of collective action in supporting Jamaican children. "At the National Education Trust, we believe that every child deserves to begin the new school year with confidence, dignity and hope," she stated. "This Back-to-School Pop-Up Village is a reflection of what can be achieved when organisations unite around a shared commitment to the children of Jamaica."

Partnerships are crucial to the event's success, with organizations like Jamaica Impact Inc (JAMPACT), JN Foundation, e-Learning Jamaica Company Ltd, Jamaica Awareness Association of California (JAAC), Unicycle Jamaica, and VM Foundation contributing. JAMPACT President Tassie Scarlett highlighted the long-standing commitment to education, noting, "For more than two decades, JAMPACT has proudly supported early childhood education in Jamaica through the generosity of donors and volunteers, and by partnering with like-minded organisations to create opportunities, restore hope, and empower the next generation of Jamaican leaders."

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When we invest in a child’s education, we invest in the future of an entire nation. For more than two decades, JAMPACT has proudly supported early childhood education in Jamaica through the generosity of donors and volunteers, and by partnering with like-minded organisations to create opportunities, restore hope, and empower the next generation of Jamaican leaders.