KINGSTON, Jamaica. The Jamaica Public Service Company says it has spent about J$22 million helping students, families and schools prepare for the 2026 to 2027 school year, with roughly half of it going to scholarships and grants.
Working through the JPS Foundation and community partners, the utility provided book vouchers, school supplies, uniform material, direct assistance to schools and support for community back-to-school events.
Winsome Callum, the company’s director of corporate communications, said the aim went beyond supplies, to helping students start the year prepared and confident while giving families and schools practical help.
Communities in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland still recovering from Hurricane Melissa were among the beneficiaries. Schools receiving support included Parottee Primary, Black River High, Lacovia Primary, Lewisville High, Roger Clarke High, New Works Primary, Darliston Primary, Godfrey Stewart High, New Hope Primary, Kings Primary and Belmont High. Students and parents also took part in sessions on the big transitions, into first form, sixth form and tertiary study, with motivational and psychosocial support.
In Kingston and St Catherine the company backed back-to-school fairs and treats. At Waterhouse on 30 August, children and families had games, entertainment and ice cream, and pupils recognised for strong results received backpacks and bookstore vouchers. JPS also supported the St Catherine South East Back-to-School Health Fair.
Scholarships and grants came to about J$11 million. Through its Power Up programme the foundation awarded 25 new scholarships and grants and renewed 16, covering students entering high school and those in tertiary and teacher-training programmes. Ms Callum said needs differ from one community to the next, so the help has to be practical and specific rather than one size for all.
LRTVS News Desk
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