Get Kids To School

Posted by Roberta Raigh Pryor 
 

 In  collaboration with St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen (operated by Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church and the Franciscan Friars), the Rotary Club of Negril  has made the community programme “Get Kids To School” one of their priorities for the year. 

 For more information or to donate to this programme, email: getkidstoschool@gmail.com

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St. Anthony's Kitchen serves a hot meal to nearly 200 hungry residents three days a week.  Rotarians who actively volunteer in serving the meals became aware of approximately 35 children who frequently attend the kitchen when they should be in school. Initial efforts by Rotarians and US Peace Corps Volunteers were to occupy the children by providing simple reading and craft exercises. Early on the Negril Rotary club provided tents, tables and chairs for this purpose.

It soon became clear that the goal must be to get these children to attend school regularly, and the challenge is mainly financial. Rotarians recognize that many of the children do not have birth certificates, and have no funds for transportation, uniforms, shoes, books or lunches.

Through the Rotary network the clubs in Negril and Grapevine Texas hope to provide a school bus by way of a Rotary International grant. If successful, Mary Gate of Heaven Church will finance operating and maintenance costs.  A bus would significantly reduce transportation costs, however, the cost for the remaining elements of the programme are significant.

Negril Rotary President, Ken Cooney is optimistic, “We are seeking to establish sustainable funding of around US$1200 per month. Fund-raising efforts though the Rotary and Franciscan organisations have already secured part of the amount needed.”