Foundation Hosts Back to School Event For Students In St. Mary

The Cawayne Barton Foundation, in collaboration with the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), hosted a back-to-school event at the St. Mary Parish Library, to support students from communities across the parish, in preparation for the new academic year.

The event, held on September 19, benefited more than 650 students with essential back-to-school supplies, including knapsacks, stationery, and other educational materials.

Senior Librarian of the St. Mary Parish Library, Kereen Burton, tells JIS News that the Foundation’s efforts in the parish have been very well received.

“The Cawayne Barton Foundation has been doing great work in St. Mary, particularly through their collaboration with the St. Mary Parish Library. Their initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of many students, providing them with the necessary tools and encouragement to excel in their studies,” Mrs. Burton says.

Ten students also received cash awards totalling $175,000, along with plaques and certificates recognising their outstanding academic achievements for the previous year.

Mrs. Burton adds that partnerships, such as these, as well as community involvement, play an important part in caring for all children in the parish.

“We all know that the children are our future, and the teachers and parents can’t do it alone. I encourage all stakeholders to join hands with the Cawayne Barton Foundation and the St. Mary Parish Library. Contribute in whatever way you can to help bridge the gap and ensure that all our children are taken care of,” she says.

Meanwhile, Founder and Leader of the Cawayne Barton Foundation, Christopher Barton, says the Foundation, named in memory of his late nephew, is focused on giving back to children in the community.

“We believe that supporting our students is crucial for the future of our community. By providing them with the necessary tools and encouragement, we are helping to create a brighter future for everyone. Our annual back-to-school initiative is a testament to our commitment to education and community development,” he says.

Since its inception in 2018, the Cawayne Barton Foundation has been dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and honouring outstanding students.

The Foundation’s efforts have reached nearly every primary and high school in the parish, as well as at least one tertiary institution.

This year, the Foundation also extended its support to early-childhood education, further broadening its impact.

At the back-to-school event, leaders from different communities were also recognised for their contributions, mentorship and guidance over the years to the parish.

The Cawayne Barton Foundation Award was presented to Custos of St. Mary, Hon. Errol V. Johnson, for his outstanding service to the community.

“Honouring community leaders creates an example for the rest of the community to follow. It emphasises that community service is important and inspires others to take on community service, potentially becoming community champions themselves,” notes Mr. Barton.

Mr. Barton, citing the significance of community involvement, is calling on more members of the community to volunteer to give back in whatever way they can.

“I grew up in the same community… kids are in need of resources to achieve their educational goals and I saw it fit to give back, but when my nephew died, the entire community came together and so I thought it would be fitting to use that basis and form the Foundation. We want some more volunteers in different roles in whatever capacity they can provide, more parents involved, more teachers involved and more community leaders, to see how best we can achieve more as a community,” he says.

For more information on how to volunteer or donate to the Cawayne Barton Foundation, persons can visit cawaynebartonfoundation.org.