The “Seeds of Hope” initiative, launched at His Majesty’s Prison by the University of the West Indies Five Island’s Campus, is receiving support from the corporate community.

CIBC Caribbean bank donated six desktop computers to the program, aiming to improve computer access for participating inmates and assist them in completing their assignments.

The Executive Director of the Life-long Learning Unit (LLU), Paula Edwards-Lee, expressed her gratitude to CIBC Caribbean and encouraged other corporate entities to recognize the program’s positive impact.

The initiative has also received scholarships from the Transport Board and the Calvin Ayre Foundation, and a pledge for one year’s free internet access from Vanessa Kelsick and her husband.

Participation in the program is reported to have a transformative effect on inmates, providing them with an “awakening” and enabling them to contribute positively to their fellow inmates, their families, and society as a whole.

According to Superintendent Col. Trevor Pennyfeather, the prison values rehabilitation and aims to prepare individuals for their re-entry into society.

An emotional moment during the donation exercise came from Kenisha Whyte, a prisoner and student advisor in the program, who emphasized the impact of the program on changing lives and the importance of support from the corporate community and individuals in making a positive difference.