Through the generosity of Rubis, some of the financial burden of sending 10 students back to school has been lifted from their caretakers.

On Tuesday at the Fisheries Complex conference room in Kingstown, 10 students from different parts of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) were gifted with a school bag filled with school supplies for the new school term.

The initiative by Rubis is part of their back to school drive and saw students receiving a book bag, books, pencils, a ruler, sharpener, lunch bowl with utensils, a water bottle and hand sanitizer.

Kennisha Phillips of Penniston, the mother of one of the students, said she was happy for the supplies and very thankful. “It helps me a lot because I have other expenses and a little help is always good,” said Phillips.

Jocelyn Edwards of Troumaca said the donation has ensured that her granddaughter will go to school with the right supplies. She said she takes care of the lass as her mother is deceased and any help received is appreciated.

Recipient Kyra Alexander said she felt “good” and she will be going to grade five where she will do her best to make the persons that helped her proud.

Commenting during the handing over ceremony, Rubis’s Country Representative Elroy Edwards said the company continues to show strong dedication to the development and enhancement of the lives of Vincentians.

“We are very happy to be able to equip students with the tools required to help them reach the highest level of achievement in their education.

“These kids are needy and not everyone is fortunate to get the things they need especially at this time of the year and donation of these school supplies will help to lighten the load of parents,” said Edwards.

He added that at Rubis, initiatives of this nature are very important.

“For one, we are committed to the future development of Vincentian youths. Secondly, as a company, the spirit of giving back and helping those in need is deeply embedded in our DNA.”

He added that in an effort to continue investing in the young and vibrant minds, the company intends to continue this initiative and make it bigger.

Director of Child Development in the Ministry of National Mobilization Jemma Alexander said the students were chosen through their department with help from the child protection officer and public assistance officer.

The donation was witnessed by Terminal Manager at Rubis Zani Morgan-Rose and it was also noted that over the last six Christmas seasons, Rubis employees distributed food baskets to elderly and the less fortunate persons.