Melissa Skerrit Foundation Supports 276 Students with Back-to-School Essentials

Barbara 2nd September, 2024

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Melissa Skerrit Foundation Continues Commitment to Education with Back-to-School Aid

The Melissa Skerrit Foundation’s annual Adopt a Child Back-to-School Program has once again provided much-needed support to students as they prepare for the 2024/2025 academic year. At a ceremony held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Peebles Park in Roseau, over 276 students from the Roseau Central Constituency received backpacks filled with essential school supplies.

The initiative, which has supported thousands of students in the past, continues to assist children across various grade levels. Students from other villages throughout Dominica will also benefit from this program, receiving similar packages to help them succeed in the upcoming school year.

The Adopt a Child Back-to-School Program has grown to include not only the distribution of supplies but also scholarships, cash donations, and other forms of educational support. Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit, Member of Parliament for the Roseau Central Constituency and founder of the Melissa Skerrit Foundation, emphasized the importance of supporting children and easing the financial burden on parents.

“My only goal in all of this is to help elevate our people and help relieve some of the financial burdens to live comfortable and happy lives,” stated Poponne-Skerrit. She highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that all children receive a quality education through investments in scholarships, bursaries, school transfer grants, free transportation, and expanded curriculum offerings, including technical and vocational subjects.

Poponne-Skerrit also stressed the shared responsibility in the education of children, calling for cooperation among students, parents, school administrators, and community members to foster successful development.

At the event, students were encouraged to strive for greatness, dream big, and embrace positive opportunities. Recognition was given to top performers in the Grade 6 National Assessment (G6NA) and CXC examinations within the Roseau Central Constituency. Milagro Deluge, who excelled in the CXC Examination, and Kitara Beaupierre, who achieved outstanding results in the Grade Six National Assessment, were specifically honored.

Milagro Deluge expressed her gratitude to Poponne-Skerrit and the foundation, acknowledging the vital role they played in her success. She urged young people to be serious about their goals and to prioritize their education, noting that success is the result of hard work and good study habits.

The Melissa Skerrit Foundation, established in December 2016, receives support from private sector donors, members of the diaspora, the government of the People’s Republic of China, and the Dominica Government. The foundation’s other initiatives include the Single Mother’s Program, Elderly Program, Hurricane Preparedness Program, and Women’s Symposium, all aimed at improving the lives of Dominicans.