FOP, Give Back Jamaica strengthen communities through education and healthcare outreach

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Community organisations Friends of Porus (FOP) and Give Back Jamaica (GBJ) have once again demonstrated the power of partnership through a series of educational and healthcare initiatives designed to uplift children, families and healthcare providers in communities across Jamaica.

The outreach mission, which took place during May 2026, focused on supporting literacy development among primary school students while delivering much-needed medical supplies to healthcare facilities serving rural communities.

The educational component of the project coincided with Read Across Jamaica Week and was carried out in collaboration with Winsome Wishes for Kids, an organisation dedicated to helping Jamaican children improve their reading and writing skills. Founded in 2020, the organisation has quickly earned a reputation for making a meaningful impact in schools by providing educational resources and support for students facing learning challenges.

Friends of Porus Vice President Vassell Ogilvie, who is also the CEO and Founder of Hudson Valley Dynamic Counseling, said supporting literacy and education remains one of the organisation’s top priorities.

“Education is one of the most powerful gifts we can give a child. When we place books in the hands of young people, we are opening doors to opportunity, imagination and lifelong success. Friends of Porus believes every child deserves access to the tools they need to learn, grow and dream beyond their circumstances. Being part of Read Across Jamaica is not simply about donating books—it is about investing in Jamaica’s future,” Ogilvie said.

Ogilvie also acknowledged Give Back Jamaica President Hopeton Brown for helping to build the partnership between the two organisations.

“Community transformation happens when people come together with a shared purpose. We are grateful to Mr Brown and Give Back Jamaica for creating opportunities for organisations like ours to work collectively in service to the Jamaican people. Partnerships like these allow us to extend our reach and make a greater impact where it is needed most,” he added.

This year, Broadleaf Primary School, Harmons Primary School and Porus Primary School were selected to benefit from the literacy initiative. Each school received books authored by Jamaican scholars, which were presented to the principals for inclusion in their school libraries. The books were fully funded and donated by Friends of Porus as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to educational development.

Following the school visits, both organisations shifted their focus to healthcare support by delivering medical supplies to the Bog Walk Health Centre in St Catherine and the Porus Health Clinic in Manchester.

The first stop was the Bog Walk Health Centre, where healthcare workers welcomed the donations and met with members of the visiting delegation. The visit also received media coverage through IRIE FM’s popular Come In Unityprogramme, hosted by veteran broadcaster Roger Hasfal.

During the visit, Hasfal interviewed healthcare personnel as well as special guest Eric Donaldson, the legendary reggae singer who serves as an ambassador for Give Back Jamaica. Donaldson, widely regarded as Jamaica’s King of Festival Songs, is internationally known for classics such as Cherry Oh Baby and continues to lend his support to charitable initiatives benefiting communities across the island.

The following day, the delegation travelled to the Porus Health Clinic, where additional medical supplies were donated and warmly received by staff members serving residents of the surrounding communities.

Organisers noted that all medical supplies distributed during the mission were shipped from the United States and funded by Hudson Valley Dynamic Counseling.

Special appreciation was also extended to the many donors whose contributions made the initiative possible, including Beverly Graham, whose support played a significant role in the success of the project.

Representatives from both Friends of Porus and Give Back Jamaica say they remain committed to improving educational opportunities, strengthening healthcare services and creating sustainable community partnerships that positively impact the lives of Jamaicans across the island.

As both organisations continue their outreach efforts, they hope their work will inspire others to invest in the development of Jamaica’s children, families and communities, proving that meaningful change can be achieved when people unite around a common purpose.