Global Humanity Network (GHN) Inc. will officially launch its flagship Beyond the Backpack programme on Tuesday, August 11, at the Science Lecture Theatre 3 in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

The initiative is a structured three-year intervention designed to help students overcome barriers that can disrupt their education by providing sustained academic, social and family support rather than one-off donations of school supplies.

The inaugural cohort will comprise 10 Grade 4 students from public primary schools in Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Hanover and Trelawny. Each student will receive support valued at approximately US$2,000 annually over three years to help ensure a successful transition to secondary school.

GHN Founder, President and CEO Dr Laxley W Stephenson said the programme is intended to remove obstacles that prevent children from reaching their full potential, while ensuring every participant has consistent support throughout their educational journey.

Beyond the Backpack is built on four pillars—access, stability, advancement and sustainability—assisting with transportation, uniforms, nutrition, mentorship, tutoring, leadership development, academic monitoring and family engagement. The programme also focuses on building long-term partnerships to sustain student support and deliver measurable outcomes.

The launch will bring together education stakeholders, corporate partners, sponsors, mentors, volunteers, parents, students and members of the media to unveil the programme’s support framework, mentoring model and national expansion strategy.

GHN also expressed appreciation to the University of the West Indies, Mona, for hosting the event, as well as sponsors, donors, educators and volunteers whose support has helped bring the initiative to fruition.

The organisation aims to expand Beyond the Backpack to all 14 parishes, providing sustained educational and developmental support to more Jamaican students.