Good morning,

Part of St. Anthony's Kitchen is a programme called Get Kids To School (GKTS). The Negril area children will soon be going back to school, so we thought this would be a good time to post some information about this programme.


Introduction

Get Kids to School is a collaborative programme which has been operated by Mary, Gate of Heaven Roman Catholic Church, The Franciscan Friars and the Rotary Club of Negril since September 2011.Whilst most education in Jamaica is provided free, the cost of travel, school meals, uniforms, books etc. is prohibitive to many families. Get Kids to School supports 40 children through assisting with these expenses, with the aim of achieving regular school attendance.

The programme is totally dependent on contributions and got underway with funds provided by the Franciscan Friars in Cincinnati, USA and their benefactors. On-going funding comes from several organisations; primarily a grant from the Franciscan Friars of the Province of Christ the King, in Western Canada,(approximately 80% of the budget), the Rotary Club of Negril and the Franciscan Friars in Cincinnati, USA and their benefactors. The programme also benefits from many individual donations and sponsorships.

The Programme

The need for Get Kids to School arose as many children were present at St. Anthony’s Kitchen for lunch when they should have been in school. It was obvious they were not attending school regularly, if at all. Meetings were held with families in the community to explain the ideas for the programme i.e., achieving regular school attendance with, it was stressed, the cooperation and support of parents. To emphasise their involvement, parents formally acknowledge their responsibility for school attendance and contribute to school expenses. The programme assists with the costs of transportation and school lunches. Outside the main programme subsidised school uniforms, shoes, books and school supplies are provided where these cost are unaffordable to families. A hungry child does not learn so the Kitchen provides breakfast on school days for all the children.

The programme supports 40 children attending 8 different schools. The gross monthly cost of the programme is US$1,500. This cost does not include the expense associated with the Hiace bus that is used to transport some children to school or the cost of breakfast.

Alongside Get Kids to School a complementary programme called Get Registered was launched, its purpose being to assist parents and children to obtain “missing” basic documentation such as birth certificates and identity cards, without which the way is barred to state aid and children face barriers to their education. The funds required are modest and met by Rotary. Get Registered has moved beyond children and adults are assisted in obtaining birth certificates, identity cards, health cards, and TRN numbers.

Desired Outcomes

While we cannot claim 100% success our impact on the local community has been profound with many children regularly attending school, growing in literacy and self-respect. Parents are learning to embrace responsibility for the education of their children. Children are being given the tools they need to move ahead in life with hope for new possibilities and a better life. The programme is young, only two years old, and it has a bright future if we all continue to work together on behalf of the children.

You can help

Contributions can be sent to Mary Gate of Heaven Church or to the Franciscan Friars in Cincinnati - 100% of your contribution go to the Jamaican mission. NOTE: US citizens get a tax deduction.

Mail a check or credit card information to Franciscan Friars, Friar Works / Ministry & Mission, 1615 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202-6492 - indicate your intention for the gift.

Credit Card - Online: www.franciscan.org - select the Donate Tab and in the comment box indicate your intention.

Credit Card - Phone: 1-513-721-4700, ext. 3218.