A New Jersey based organisation has donated school supplies to over 150 Vincentian students – easing some of the ‘back-to-school’ expenses their parents have to incur.{{more}}

Isabelle Lewis, president and founder of Giving Life Anew Meaning (GLAM), handed over the supplies to students of the Diamond Government School on Monday, September 3.

Lewis, a past student of the institution, said that she believes more individuals and organisations should “give back” to their communities, when they are financially able to do so.

“You always hear about donations to Africa … but our ‘Africa’ is right here in the Caribbean,” she said.

“I remember the struggle my mother had providing for us when we were growing up. So, if I am able to contribute something I must look back and give back!”

Each student received a book bag complete with exercise books, writing material, notebooks and a dictionary.

According to the non-profit organisation’s mandate, it is committed to: “providing communities in the Caribbean with the opportunity to enhance their educational journey”, and ensuring that early childhood educational needs are met, “regardless of economic situation”.

Lewis, who resides in New Jersey (USA), encouraged Vincentians who live locally and within the diaspora to donate more to such worthy causes, because it has long-lasting positive effects on the lives of less fortunate children.

“There are a lot of intelligent children out there, and all they need is a chance!”

She further explained that because of financial constraints, many children are unable to reach their full educational potential; and that no matter how small the donation, it contributes to making a difference in their lives.

Also present at the handover was Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel, principal of the Diamond Government School Paula Blake-Toney and fellow GLAM donor Sheila Billingy.

Lewis also donated colouring books and crayons to a pre-school in Diamond Village.

GLAM is a 501C not-for-profit organisation that was founded in 2011.(JV)