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JAM | Mar 2, 2026

JPS Foundation makes J$500,000 donation to support Christel House’s IDEA Lab

/ Our Today

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Representatives of the JPS Foundation present a cheque valued at J$500,000 to Christel House Jamaica in support of the school’s IDEA Lab initiative. The donation facilitated the procurement of seven robotics STEM Kits, strengthening hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students and reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment and educational innovation. Pictured are (from L-R), Kameka Clarke, fundraising & marketing manager; JPS Foundation officer, Samora Bain; head at the JPS Foundation, Sophia Lewis; senior vice president for people operations at JPS, Charmaine Heslop-DaCosta; principal at Christel House Jamaica, Jason Scott and Taneshia Stoney Dryden, chief executive officer at Christel House Jamaica. (Photo: Contributed)

The JPS Foundation solidified its commitment to local innovation with a J$500,000 donation to Christel House Jamaica (CHJ) on February 9.

This grant is specifically earmarked for the acquisition of seven (7) Robotics STEM Kits, which will serve as a cornerstone for the school’s cutting-edge IDEA Lab by advancing STEM education and expanding access to hands-on, innovation-driven learning opportunities for Jamaica’s youth.

Christel House Jamaica, located in Spanish Town, is a non-profit, donor-funded institution committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through free primary and secondary education. The school’s programme also provides comprehensive support for students to include nutrition, healthcare, leadership development, character building, college and career readiness.

In addition, community outreach plays a vital role in the life of the institution.

Charmaine Heslop-Dacosta, JPS senior vice president of people operations; Sophia Lewis, head at the JPS Foundation; and Samora Bain, JPS Foundation officer (far right), look on as Grade 7 students from Christel House Jamaica, (l-r) Romaine, Raheem and Rojae explore components of the newly donated robotics kits at the institution on February 9, 2026.(Photo: Contributed)

By addressing key financial barriers such as transportation, meals, and other school-related expenses, the institution ensures students are fully supported andfully equipped to succeed both academically and personally.

With its contribution, JPS becomes the first local partner to champion the school’s IDEA Lab initiative.

The intent of the IDEA Lab is to provide a dynamic, fully equipped studio designed to immerse students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through exploration, experimentation, and collaboration. The newly acquired robotics kits will enhance interactive lessons and team-based projects, strengthening technical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Representatives of Christel House Jamaica, lead team JPS on a tour of the facilities ahead of the official hand-over. The JPS Foundation made a J$500,000 donation in support of the institution’s STEM education programme. (Photo: Contributed)

Guided by the belief that potential should never be limited by circumstance, the JPS Foundation continues to invest in youth empowerment and national development through education and innovation.

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