In the drive to improve learning and literacy among youth, and in recognition of World Literacy Day (September 8) Food For The Poor (FFTP) and its donors, through the Angels Of Hope Laptop programme, distributed 68 laptops and covers to children living in 23 supported homes in Jamaica.

The donation was handed over to 10 of the 14 parishes in Jamaica caring for orphaned, abandoned, abused or neglected children to demonstrate the importance of literacy.

The devices are intended to provide Angels of Hope residents with the tools they need to maximise their full participation in online learning while also advancing their education and social development in an increasingly digital environment.

Yvette Mahoney, operations manager for a girl’s home in Montego Bay, expressed her gratitude for two laptops donated to help 10 teenage high school girls at the home.

“As the young people would say, ‘Big up yourself,’” Mahoney said. “I really want to thank the donors for their tremendous support to the girls. Education is the key.”

Major Jacqueline Palmer, an administrator at another AOH-supported children’s home, believes the laptops will boost the children’s academic performance.

“A big thank you to the donors, hats off to you for helping us,” she said. “This is a very big enhancement to the home, towards the children’s education. Thank you again for helping the less fortunate in the Jamaican society, it is going to a good cause.”

With bright eyes and a broad smile, Toni-Ann, an FFTP Angels Of Hope teenager, said the laptop donation will give her a better chance of passing her final exams.

“I feel happy because now I know my School Based Assessment (SBA) will be done,” she said. “I know that I’ll get the necessary things done, pushing me one step closer to becoming a teacher or an actress, while operating my farm. I am thankful to you for sending the laptops. Without them I would not get to finish my SBAs properly and although I have access to my school computers, I can’t always depend on them because school is closed sometimes.”

FFTP president/CEO Ed Raine emphasised that the laptop program will enable children living in Angels Of Hope homes to enhance their skills in a variety of ways and to build their futures.

“A personal laptop will remind these beloved children that they are seen, known, and loved by God and other people at a time when adjusting to constant changes can be difficult,” he added.

UNESCO initially designated September 8 as International Literacy Day in 1966 to raise awareness and concern about literacy issues that exist locally and globally.