A total of 1,025 students benefited from a major Back-to-School Giveaway hosted by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation through the Social Protection Board at the Rising Sun Grounds on Thursday.

Hundreds of parents and children turned out for the initiative, which provided school bags, shoes, books and other essential supplies to beneficiaries of the Social Protection Board and members of the wider public.

Approximately 1025 school bags were distributed during the event, with every available bag collected. The Board also provided a significant quantity of school shoes, books and other supplies to help students prepare for the new academic year.

Operations Manager of the Social Protection Board, Mary Baltimore, described the initiative as a tremendous success and said the organisation was pleased to assist families with the cost of preparing their children for school.

“We were able to distribute approximately 125 school bags between our beneficiaries and members of the wider public. We also had a great supply of shoes and books available, and I am especially pleased to say that every single school bag was distributed,” Baltimore said.

“It was truly a successful and rewarding initiative.”

Baltimore said the assistance went beyond the distribution of material items, noting that proper school supplies can strengthen a child’s confidence and enthusiasm about returning to the classroom.

“Sometimes, something as simple as a school bag, a pair of shoes or a set of books can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life,” she said.

“As the Operations Manager, I am extremely grateful and proud that the Social Protection Board was able to play a part in making a child happy and giving them a little more confidence and excitement as they prepare to return to school.”

The Operations Manager also commended the Board’s employees, beneficiaries, members of the public, its chairman and everyone who contributed to the successful execution of the initiative.

“Today was a beautiful reminder that it truly takes a community to raise a child. Together, we are helping to ensure that our children have the tools they need to start the new school year with dignity, hope and a smile,” Baltimore said.

The giveaway forms part of the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation’s continued efforts, through the Social Protection Board, to support vulnerable households, reduce the financial pressure on parents and ensure that children are properly equipped for the classroom.

The Ministry and the Social Protection Board expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the initiative and helped make it a rewarding experience for the children and families who attended.