357 knapsacks distributed to students

The Knapsack Project has returned to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Now in its eighth year, the Canada-based initiative, founded by Yvette Glynn-Hamlet of Bequia, distributes knapsacks filled with educational and personal supplies to less fortunate schoolchildren in this country.{{more}}

The project began in 2007 with an initial distribution of 169 knapsacks. This year, 357 knapsacks were distributed among students at 10 schools, bringing the total number of students benefitting to date to 2,698.

Students receiving knapsacks this year attend the following schools: C.W. Prescod Primary, Bequia Anglican Primary, Leeward Elementary SDA, Marriaqua Government, Paget Farm Government, Park Hill Government, Buccament Bay Secondary, George Stephens Senior Secondary, North Union Secondary and St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua. Distributions took place in St Vincent on June 5 and 6 and in Bequia on June 10.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines the Knapsack Project collaborates closely with the Ministry of Education to identify students in need and to distribute the knapsacks. Commenting on the project, Glynn-Hamlet noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel has been an important ally of the project over the years, providing the encouragement and support necessary to facilitate this major undertaking.

Key associates in the delivery of the 2014 project were Marcelle Glynn-Jarvis, Ron and Edilyn Llamg, Jasmine Quammie, Wayne Olsen, Lucien and Brent Glynn, Philmore Tannis and Claudine Monkoe of Canada; Carmen Fitzpatrick of the USA; and Myrna Bramble, Bentley, Emmanuel, Melene and Nicole Glynn of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Observing that the project would not succeed without the generosity of her sponsors and supporters, as well as the participation of the beneficiaries, Glynn-Hamlet noted that the impetus behind the Knapsack Project was captured perfectly in a quote from the late Maya Angelou: “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” In this regard she promised to continue working hard to bring the cheerful giving and other benefits of the Knapsack Project to St Vincent and the Grenadines.