JIS Donates Back-to-School Items to Boys Home

The Jamaica Information Service (JIS), as part of its ongoing support to the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, has donated back-to-school items, including books and uniforms, to the 25 boys at the facility.
More than 30 members of staff journeyed to the Manchester-based Home on Saturday (July 31), where they handed over the items and spent quality time with the boys.

Public Relations Officer and Chair of the Jamaica Information Service’s (JIS) Outreach Committee, Odette Barron (right), looks on as Marketing Assistant at Sangster’s Book Stores, Shawn Thomas (left), explains the features of the ‘First Aid in English Reader’. The book, along with other texts donated by Sangster’s, were handed over to the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Manchester earlier this month. The JIS adopted the home in December 2009 and has been making a major impact on the lives of the boys since then.

Chief Executive Officer of the JIS, Donna Marie-Rowe, said that the agency was committed to assisting the home, which it adopted last December, to ensure that the boys realize their full potential.
“We know how important it is to invest in the lives of our boys, to ensure that you grow up to be very significant boys and men in our society, that they turn out good and make a positive difference,” she stated.

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Donna Marie- Rowe (left), receives one of the boxes containing school bags from director of AzMart, Tina Sirgany (left), while the store’s Administrative Assistant, Simone Jackson, shares in the moment. AzMart donated 42 school bags to the JIS, which were handed over to the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Manchester in July 31.

Along with the educational items, the JIS brought along two guidance counsellors from the Ministry of Education to motivate the boys as they prepare for the new school year in September.
The counsellors, Rev. Winston Nathan and Pastor Leon Walters, gave the boys tips on how to choose a career and how to deal with their problems. They also encouraged them to strive for success and to utilise their strengths in a positive way.
Pastor Walters had commendations for the work that the JIS was doing at the Home.
“It is the best thing that could happen. With the credibility that the JIS has in its national reach, it is the best agency that could have adopted the Home, and I hope other stakeholders who see what JIS is doing, will join in the partnership,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, newly appointed Director of the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, Sonia Lowe, thanked the JIS team, which was making its third visit to the facility. She mentioned the positive impact of the JIS staff, who continue to mentor the boys, and often call to offer them words of support and encouragement.

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Donna Marie- Rowe, and Assistant Sales Manager of Novelty Trading Company Limited, Kevon Spence, peruse copies of texts, which were donated to the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Manchester on July 31. The JIS adopted the home in December 2009.

“The board and all staff are happy that JIS stretched out its hands in partnership with us and have become a part of the Mount Olivet family. I am thankful for the mentors, who have been phoning their mentees; the boys really appreciate the help,” she said.
Sponsorship for the educational items came from Azmart, Novelty Traders, Sangster’s Book Store, and the uniforms were donated by Joseph’s.