Jamaican organizations boost communities with education and healthcare outreach

Community organizations Friends of Porus (FOP) and Give Back Jamaica (GBJ) joined forces for a series of educational and healthcare initiatives across Jamaica in May 2026. The outreach focused on improving literacy among primary school students and delivering essential medical supplies to rural healthcare centers.

During Read Across Jamaica Week, the project collaborated with Winsome Wishes for Kids to boost reading and writing skills. Founded in 2020, Winsome Wishes for Kids has established a reputation for providing educational resources to students facing learning difficulties.

Vassell Ogilvie, Vice President of Friends of Porus, emphasized the importance of education, stating, "Education is one of the most powerful gifts we can give a child. When we place books in the hands of young people, we are opening doors to opportunity, imagination and lifelong success." He highlighted that supporting literacy is a top priority for Friends of Porus, and their involvement in Read Across Jamaica signifies an investment in the nation's future.

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Education is one of the most powerful gifts we can give a child. When we place books in the hands of young people, we are opening doors to opportunity, imagination and lifelong success. Friends of Porus believes every child deserves access to the tools they need to learn, grow and dream beyond their circumstances. Being part of Read Across Jamaica is not simply about donating books, it is about investing in Jamaica’s future.

Ogilvie also thanked Give Back Jamaica President Hopeton Brown for fostering the partnership. "Community transformation happens when people come together with a shared purpose," he said. "Partnerships like these allow us to extend our reach and make a greater impact where it is needed most."

This year's literacy efforts benefited Broadleaf Primary School, Harmons Primary School, and Porus Primary School, with each receiving books authored by Jamaican scholars. Following the school visits, both organizations delivered medical supplies to the Bog Walk Health Centre in St. Catherine and the Porus Health Clinic in Manchester.

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Community transformation happens when people come together with a shared purpose. We are grateful to Mr Brown and Give Back Jamaica for creating opportunities for organisations like ours to work collectively in service to the Jamaican people. Partnerships like these allow us to extend our reach and make a greater impact where it is needed most.