One hundred students across St James are better prepared for the new academic year after receiving school supplies and free health services through the annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair, spearheaded by the parish’s Custos Bishop Conrad Pitkin.

The youngsters received school bags, books, pencils, pens, geometry sets and other supplies at the event at the Faith Temple Assemblies of God Church in Montego Bay. This year’s staging was particularly significant, as the eight-year-old initiative was expanded to include a health and wellness component for the first time. With support from the St James Public Health Department, children were able to receive vaccinations and complete back-to-school medical examinations, providing additional relief for parents preparing them for their return to the classroom.

“The reason why we added the health segment this year is because, coming out of [Hurricane] Melissa, there are many, many more parents that are in need. So, they’re going to find it very difficult, as the costs of school supplies have increased,” Pitkin told JIS News. He noted that two doctors, two nurses and other healthcare personnel participated in the initiative.

The custos said this year’s fair was the largest staging of the initiative, and informed that students were identified through churches and primary schools across the parish. Some persons travelled from as far away as Cambridge to access assistance, even though organisers had not initially planned to accommodate beneficiaries from that area.

“It speaks loudly that there are needs out there that are greater than we can ever imagine,” Pitkin said. The experience has strengthened his interest in taking the initiative beyond Montego Bay to assist children and families in rural communities.

“When you go to places like Cambridge, Maroon Town or Adelphi, the needs are strong out there,” Pitkin added.

Pitkin said he is encouraged by the interest and remains open to expanding his own initiative, once the resources and sponsorship are available.

“I would like to see no less than 150 next year, minimum,” he said.