Our “Back2School Initiative” 2014/15 has provided uniforms for a number of children at New Hope Primary & Junior School and other educational institutions in the Westmoreland area.
With the start of the new academic year upon us, the perennial worry and urgency to have the children’s uniform ready and pristine for the year ahead can be a daunting task for parents. With that anxiety in mind, we at KASSSI have striven to provide support at this very demanding time of year. Just the joy from knowing that their uniforms are secured before the commencement of the school term would have lifted a great burden off a few parents and guardians.
Mrs. Monica Foster, Principal
We have been sponsoring and supporting New Hope Primary School for a few years now, and it is extremely encouraging and indeed rewarding to have received the ‘New Hope Primary & Junior School Report 2014 for KASSSI‘ from Mrs. Monica Foster (pictured right), the school’s Principal Head.
We are delighted to share with you the knowledge that YOUR contributions are making a difference to these young and aspiring students and potential leaders of tomorrow.
A note from the KASSSI CEO, Garth Walcott regarding School Uniform:
The “Back2School Initiative” 2014/15. When visiting Jamaica you can’t help but notice how neatly turned out the children are; the boys in khaki suits with razor- sharp seams and the girls in pleated skirts of vibrant colours… wow… stunning! Is it true that in Jamaica if parents cannot afford School uniforms, the children cannot attend school?” If this is the case… how prevalent is it? Yes it is true to some extent. During these difficult times family members or even neighbours may be able to provide help of secondhand clothes, shoes or (seldomly) money etc. On the whole this degree of deprivation is not widespread, but rather concentrated to small rural communities or a few inner city areas, where youngsters can be seen at the corner of certain streets being frivolous. The system is not perfect with high unemployment, crippling debt repayments and low educational attainments. Unfortunately this recipe will see some children falling through the cracks.This is where KASSSI comes in supporting children in rural communities in Jamaica West Indies… We understand and fully appreciate the benefits of children going to school equipped and prepared to learn.
Our “Back2School Initiative” provides Uniforms and other essential provisions. However we concentrate on Uniforms specifically because, in our opinion, a uniform provides a number of advantages for instance: Uniformity & equality, so everyone starts off with a clean slate so to speak and pupils are judged by their interactions as opposed to their clothing or money etc (uniforms are best when they are not torn, washed out or ill- fitting… particularly short or tight!)Bullying on the basis of who is wearing the latest trainers or tracksuit is taken care of.. this allows children to ‘fit in!’ The pressure to decide what to wear every morning is also alleviated! Of course we know that the bulky bag is carrying more that a PE Kit!
From a financial point of view, non- uniform could be enormously stressful for a family on minimal or erratic earnings. Uniforms are also non-provocative… (when the girls are not turning the waist over several times!) another safety element. Additional safety is provided when the school goes on outings.. pupils can be seen easily and offered protection and guidance. Equally, when pupils are out dressed in their uniform they are less inclined to get up to mischief (I think) as they can be identified at least as a pupil from a particular school etc. The uniform further promotes a sense of belonging and pride in the school, identity in the community and assists the pupils in being focused. KASSSI has bought in to the philosophy that “If a student looks like a student and feels like a student, they are more likely to act like a student.” We are acutely aware that…“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – – Nelson Mandela R.I.P.
Garth
