Minister Charles Jr. Hails Digicel Foundation for Contribution to Special Needs Children

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has hailed the Digicel Foundation for its “impactful contribution” to the education of the nation’s children, including those with special needs.

He noted that the Foundation, which invested more than US$766,000 in education during financial year 2023/2024, touching 5,304 lives, has fully embraced social corporate responsibility and is making a lasting difference.

“It is shaping a better Jamaica, and the incredible leadership that has guided the Foundation to these remarkable achievements must be commended,” the Minister said.

“You are moving the trajectory of this nation that we love,” he added.

Minister Charles Jr. was delivering the keynote address at the recent launch of Digicel Foundation’s annual report at the entity’s downtown Kingston offices.

The Foundation undertook 19 projects in education in 2023/2024, including the establishment of six smart rooms to help bridge the digital divide, construction of a multipurpose court at the

Bethabara Primary School in Manchester, and the renovation of the Bull Bay Infant School in St. Thomas.

In the area of special needs, 14 projects were completed at a cost of US$685,340, impacting more than 2,500 persons.

Through collaboration with 42 corporate sponsors, the Foundation donated 107 Braille machines and two embossers to the Salvation Army School for the Blind.

The organisation also rehabilitated the Hope Valley Experimental Special Education Unit, bringing the number of special needs schools renovated since its inception to 21.

In addition, a smart room was established at the Abilities Foundation with the aim of empowering persons with disabilities with digital skills.

In the area of community development, the Foundation invested more than US$719,000, reaching more than 20,230 persons.

“We have partnered with Deaf Can! Coffee, our long-standing special needs social enterprise partner, to instal solar panels at their warehouse,” reported Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Charmaine Daniels.

Under its Good Energy Clean Environment initiative, 13 grants were disbursed, enabling community groups to address environmental challenges.

Other projects funded under this initiative include the Kingston Harbour Cleanup in partnership with the GraceKennedy Group and the installation of greenhouse clusters in Meyersville, St. Elizabeth.

The Digicel Foundation aims to mobilise and distribute resources across Jamaican communities to improve education at the early-childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary levels, increase access and opportunities for persons with special needs, and stimulate sustainable entrepreneurial activity.