Support Education in Jamaica: Donate to Kilsyth Primary

Hi, my name is Vanina Morrison. I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, where I grew up witnessing the impact of social and class divisions on children’s right to education. For many children, especially in rural areas like much of the Clarendon parish, accessing quality education is an uphill battle. Schools like Kilsyth Primary in Grantham face severe challenges due to chronic underfunding, leaving students and teachers without the resources they urgently need.

Several students at Kilsyth Primary attend school without basic supplies like notebooks and pencils—and some even arrive without lunch money. Teachers, driven by their dedication, often step in to provide these essentials out of their own pockets, but their selfless efforts are still not enough to meet basic needs. Early childhood classrooms lack critical learning materials, and the school struggles overall to create a safe and conducive learning environment for its youngest students. For example, the Infant Department cannot achieve certification due to the absence of a proper gate.

In the past, I organised an annual Christmas treat at Denham Town Basic School in downtown Kingston, bringing gifts, food, music, and Santa to uplift young students. Unfortunately, after the incursion into the Tivoli Gardens community, it became much harder to safely access the school. Life has taken me away from Jamaica, but my commitment to supporting early childhood education on the island has never wavered.

This year, I want to focus on helping Kilsyth Primary. I spoke with my father, who grew up in Clarendon, and he connected me with the Principal Ricketts at Kilsyth who told us about the pressing challenges the school faces and how we can make a difference.

I want to do my part to ensure these children have the tools they need to succeed. Education is the foundation for opportunity, and something as simple as a notebook or a pencil can make all the difference. Early childhood education plays a vital role in shaping our nation, and it is our collective responsibility to contribute to our country's development in every way we can. I hope this campaign will provide others with one of many opportunities to give back this Christmas!

How Your Support Will Help

With your help, we can provide essential resources for the students and teachers at Kilsyth Primary, including:

Notebooks

Pencils

Erasers

Sharpeners

Bags

Crayons

Folder leaves

Graph paper

Blank leaves

Pens

If we exceed our fundraising goal, additional funds will go towards establishing a Special Education unit for students with unique learning needs. Testing and support services are often out of reach for families, and we want to help bridge that gap. We’re also working to secure a gate for the Infant Department, which is needed for the school’s certification and to ensure the safety of its youngest students.

Mark Your Calendars: December 20th

On December 20th, I’ll personally visit Kilsyth Primary to deliver the supplies and bring some holiday cheer to the kids. There will be food, music, and a special visit from Santa—because every child deserves some magic during the holidays.

How You Can Help

Every donation, no matter the size, can make a difference. Just US$5(J$800) could provide a child with the tools they need to succeed in school. Together, we can create a brighter future for these students and inspire others to do the same with underfunded schools in Jamaica. If you are unable to donate monetarily but are based in Jamaica and have unused stationery which you are able to donate, feel free to contact me. Thank you for your consideration!