The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) hosted its annual back-to-school treat and career expo for 32 wards of the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Manchester on August 16.

The initiative featured the handover of school supplies and interactive career presentations from representatives of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

Among the items donated were backpacks, school shoes, stationery, snacks, personal care items, and toiletries.

These supplies were made possible through internal fundraising efforts led by the JIS Mount Olivet Boys’ Home Committee, generous contributions from staff members, and the continued support of corporate Jamaica.

Presentations were delivered by, among others, acting Sergeant Raymond Meeks of the JFB.

They provided overviews of their organisations, outlined daily operations, and highlighted the range of career opportunities available within each unit. The sessions also detailed the qualifications and requirements needed to enlist, offering valuable guidance to the young attendees.

The wards were introduced to engaging booth displays showcasing official uniforms, career pathways, rank structures, and programme details from both the JDF and JFB, along with a range of paraphernalia.

Director of the home, Sophia Morgan, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the ongoing support from the JIS and its partners, noting, “It gets better every year.”

She reminded the youngsters of the purpose behind the initiative, emphasising that: “this gift… is to prepare you to go back-to-school; and when you’re prepared, it only helps you to do better.”

Morgan shared an inspiring story of one ward that had faced significant academic challenges.

She recounted that he was initially unable to read, but through targeted interventions and the unwavering support of fellow residents and staff, he rose to the top of his class by the end of the last semester.

“Education is something that we promote [at the Home]. So… I want to say thank you so much [to sponsor – Baldwin and Dr Susan Davis [of the Dr Sue and You Foundation], the JIS [and all the other partners],” Morgan added.

In his remarks, JIS director of HR management and development Dr David Knight reaffirmed the agency’s steadfast commitment to the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home.

“Mount Olivet is very important to the JIS family. You are an institution that we talk about every day… your needs are on our minds. We have a team that is working all year to ensure that we can share some special times with you and make sure that you know that you are special,” he said.

For her part, JIS special projects officer and committee member, Romona Geohaghan, shared that “[the day] could not be… possible without our other partners.”

From year-to-year when we plan [these] events, [our] partners come on board to assist us; one such partner is the Dr. Sue and You Foundation,” she stated.

Geohaghan also commended the administration of the home for its sustained commitment to the residents’ development through a range of rewards and social intervention programmes.

Meanwhile, Davis shared heartfelt reflections on his early connection to the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, and expressed his promise for continued support.

“It is more than a blessing being here. Mount Olivet has been at my heart since I was a boy. My uncle, many years ago, was a Superintendent at the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, so my heart has [always] been with Mount Olivet,” he said.

In his charge to the residents, Davis expressed the hope that, “One day, you may be doing the same (giving back), as you elevate yourself through the hard work that you have put in.”