The smiles and eager faces of the youngsters at Jamaica House Basic School captured the spirit of Read Across Jamaica Day last Tuesday, May 6. The initiative, part of a company-wide effort by CB Group, aligns with the organisation’s commitment to building a better, more sustainable Jamaica.

CB Foods, a division of CB Group, proudly participated in the initiative, which saw CB Group visiting 13 schools across the island, engaging over 600 students with books by Jamaican authors to help foster a love for literacy and celebrate Jamaican voices.

At Jamaica House Basic School, CB Foods team members read to K2 classes, using engaging Jamaican children’s books, including the Little Lion series by Kellie Magnus and The Adventures of Perni the Worm by Eleasia Charles. The students responded with excitement and curiosity, eagerly participating in comprehension challenges to win small prizes, making the experience both fun and interactive.

In addition to the reading sessions, the children had the chance to choose fun buttons representing their favourite CB Foods products, with popular picks including ‘Ah My Chicken Dat!’ and “I’m a Smart Egg!” — a playful way for students to express their enthusiasm for the brand. These small but meaningful tokens added to the energy of the day, giving the children a chance to wear their foodie pride and connect with the CB Foods family Veronica Burnett, Principal of Jamaica House Basic, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing partnership with CB Group, noting the longstanding relationship between the
institution and the company.

“The relationship between Jamaica House Basic and CB Group goes way back! Over the years, the company has supported us in many meaningful ways, from providing products to assisting with school upkeep projects like painting classrooms and contributing to the school’s overall improvement. The Read Across Jamaica Day initiative was a welcome addition, and the children were particularly excited to receive books, school supplies, and fun buttons. It’s always a pleasure to see corporate Jamaica actively involved in youth development,” Burnett shared.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Burnett added, “This initiative is an excellent one that should be continued. On behalf of the Jamaica House Basic School, I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of CB Group for their continued support.”

Samantha Fisher, Assistant Brand Manager at CB Foods, reinforced the company’s commitment to nation-building through education.

“At CB Foods, we believe our responsibility extends beyond providing quality protein products. We are committed to building stronger communities and investing in the future of Jamaica. Literacy is a critical part of that foundation, as it empowers young minds and sets the stage for a brighter tomorrow,” said Fisher. “Participating in Read Across Jamaica Day also aligns perfectly with CB Group’s broader sustainability goals, reinforcing our belief that education is a cornerstone of long-term social and economic development. By engaging with young students, we aim to nurture their potential and
inspire a lifelong love for reading.”

Fisher also highlighted the importance of supporting local talent through the choice of
reading material.

“We intentionally chose books by Jamaican authors to support and empower our own talent, reminding students that our stories matter and have a powerful impact. These choices foster pride and inspire the next generation to dream big, reinforcing the importance of celebrating Jamaican creativity and voices,” Fisher explained.

Reflecting on the day’s impact, Fisher added, “It was a deeply fulfilling experience. The children were incredibly engaged, their eyes lit up with every page turn, and it was clear they really enjoyed themselves. They eagerly responded to questions about the stories, proving that reading can be both fun and interactive. They also appreciated the tokens we shared, from sustainability colouring books to school supplies and fun buttons. Moments like these affirm our commitment to community support and youth
empowerment.”