Twenty receive Rotary assistance to return to school

Twenty students from four different schools were on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the recipients of back to school assistance from the Rotary Club South and the First Citizens Investment Services. The 20 students are from the Fancy Government School, the Dorsetshire Hill Government School, the Chateaubelair Methodist School, and the Paget Farm Government School.

“This is not our first back to school donation. This is actually our second time,” stated Bantu Campbell, president of the Rotary Club South of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The youth is an important area of focus for Rotary, so when we were contacted by First Citizens Investment Services looking for partnership, we’re very excited to be a part of this project because it falls under our mandate.”

Campbell was speaking at the ceremony held at the conference room of the National Public Library where cheques and vouchers were given to the students to help in their preparation to return to school in September.

Senior Operations Officer at First Citizens Investment Services, Natika Adams told the gathering: “I am here because of you to give back as part of our corporate social responsibility. So, in donating school supplies, it actually makes a lasting difference in the lives of children and parents. Because sometimes, you know, things might get a little bit hard and everybody needs a helping hand, so, we decided that education is one of the most powerful tools and for creating a better future”.

Adams pointed out that many children face challenges, including lack of such basic supplies as pens, notebooks and backpacks and her organisation was stepping in to help reduce the burden on families, while helping to create an equal opportunity for the students.

Education Officer Elizabeth Austin in her remarks said that Wednesday’s gathering ‘is a perfect manifestation of Hellen Keller’s words – “alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much’ and this speaks to the power of partnership.”

She said true educational transformation does not happen in isolation.

“It flourishes when communities service and private sector align with educational goals along a shared vision for our young people .”

Following the remarks each student was handed an envelope containing the necessary cheques and/ or vouchers for the purchase of school supplies which would enable them to return to their respective schools better equipped for the 2026/2027 academic year.