Pollyanna Project provides essential learning tools to 43 children in Old Harbour

This brings the overall total to over 100 Jamaican children that the US-based charity was able to support on its summer mission to the homeland of its late founder and executive members.  

“When you are going through your own struggle I want you to know that there is hope; and hope comes through hardworking, persistency and consistency,” says President and CEO, Donna Stewart, who also implored the children to not let their present situation determines their destination in life.

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Stewart, the eldest daughter of mother and founder Carmen ‘Miss Polly’ Hines, continued: “But through perseverance and the thoughts and hopes of some who helped me along the way why I’m here today. You may be sitting here and thinking ‘lawd nuttn naa guh gwaan fi mi’ but let me tell you it is going to go on for you.

“I did not dream that I would be where I am today. So don’t you ever stop dreaming because your dream will become a reality one of these days.

“So the Pollyanna Project is here to ensure that you guys thrive, that you guys overcome whatever challenges that you are facing.”

This year’s back-to-school event in Old Harbour – the place where Stewart and her siblings grew up before immigrating to the United States – was executed under a revamped format. Whereas in previous years the event was marred by overcrowding, this time around recipients were pre-selected by a local organizing committee (LOC) comprising of reputable individuals from the community.

Speaking on behalf of the LOC, Justice of the Peace Audrey Maragh, said: “A nation cannot be reformed without the reformation of its youth. When I was approached by Mr Hancel I never hesitated because I know what it is to live a life of service. The team that Mr Hancel put in place would never be a team because we are all cut from the same cloth, likeminded and buy into the vision of Pollyanna Project.”

Saturday’s event capped a week-long tour for the Pollyanna team which also saw them gifting over 60 students of Birnamwood Primary School in Portland.

Each gift saw a student taking home a brand new knapsack bag loaded with note books, pencils, pens, rulers, markers, erasers, a geometry set, thermometer, scientific calculator, novels, among other educational tools.

Microsoft laptops, each valued over US$1,000, were donated to four students who have matriculated from Birnamwood Primary and will commence their secondary education next month.

In Old Harbour 10 students also received laptop computers made possible through Pollyanna Project’s longstanding partnership with NBA team the Brooklyn Nets.

Among the local partners for this year’s stop in Old Harbour were Trinity Club and Dr Kurt Waul Foundation, with managing director of the former Marcian Walters commending the Pollyanna team for the brilliant job they’ve been doing for the last 30 years.

“I just what you to believe and to trust and to know that your gift is already inside of you; and you don’t have to go anywhere, you walk around with it daily. So go to school, that’s your job and to just listen to your parents and know that everything inside of you will come through; just give it your all,” Walters tells the recipients,” Walters told the recipients.

For his part Dr Waul stated: “I just want to pray for the Pollyanna Project and pray that they will be around for another 30 years to come.”

The general practitioner who heads Cumberland Medical also called on other individuals to make an effort to assist these and other needy students beyond Saturday’s act of benevolence.

“For anybody who can assist during the year with a little lunch money, a little encouragement that would be very, very great,” he said.

“We at The Ecclesia Family Ministries endorsed this project,” added Courtney Bogle, representing Rev Hugh B Dixon. “A part of our mantra speaks to demonstrating love and that’s what you’re doing in your capacity. So I just want to encourage you to continue doing what you are doing... and children: I just want to encourage you all that this is an opportunity, this hand extended to you, don’t take it for granted but hold onto this hand and look at it from a standpoint of hope… and someday your dream might be realized.”

Expressing thanks on behalf of the students Devontae Banner, said the donation will enable each awardee to begin the new academic year with confidence.

“Your commitment to our school community has not only provided essential supplies but has also inspired our students, staff, and parents. The difference you've made extends beyond the tangible items, fostering a sense of hope and motivation among our young learners,” said Banner, who will commence his high school journey at Kingston College after coming out as the top male student at Davis Primary in the national standardized test for primary schools.

“We recognize the time, effort, and dedication that went into organizing this support, and we are truly thankful for your partnership. It is collaborations like these that help to create a nurturing and thriving educational environment.”

In the eyes of the recipients and their families present, the support from the Pollyanna Project is most timely given the tough economic conditions on the island exacerbated by the passage of Hurricane Beryl in early July.