Rita sets foundation in Standpipe - Children's treat to be expanded in 2015

 Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer

Earlier this year the Rita Marley Foundation launched its inaugural essay competition, which invited the participation of Jamaica's youth. Now the foundation has continued to impact the lives of children, hosting a benefit treat in the inner-city community of Standpipe, off Hope Road, St Andrew.

The back-to-school treat, held two Fridays ago, saw over 100 children from the community converging on the Standpipe Basketball Court for an evening of fun. They were also presented with free school supplies, including books, bags, pencil cases and other stationery. The event was attended by councillor for the Mona division, Carl Little, who presented gift vouchers to some of the children. The foundation's initiative was greeted by grateful parents.

Although Standpipe was the only community to benefit from this year's back-to-school venture, the Rita Marley Foundation plans to implement the initiative in other communities in 2015. Manager for the foundation, Rosemary Duncan, told The Gleaner "we are planning to make it an annual event, to include other communities in the Corporate Area." Duncan also revealed that in the coming years the treat will also be extended to communities outside of Kingston.

Duncan was quick to point out that the Rita Marley Foundation's recent ventures are a part of its expansion. "We were only operational in Africa and Guyana, but we recently expanded to include Jamaica and so we will be launching a number of initiatives as time progresses," she said. Duncan said involvement with schools will be a main area of focus for the foundation.

shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com