Hundreds of schoolchildren in St Michael West received back-to-school supplies on Monday amid mounting demand, as the area’s Member of Parliament Chris Gibbs highlighted increased parental need and rising costs in 2025.
While distributing school supplies at his constituency office in Cheapside, The City, Gibbs said the initiative formed part of his constituency’s wider give-back programme.
“I started this initiative in 2019, and I have done it every year up to this year,” he explained. “We cater for about 220 children at each drive. Our package includes an Abed’s voucher, a Thani’s voucher, stationery, and a backpack.”
The MP noted that the only year the event was not held was in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a different approach: “At that time, what we did was actually donate devices. We configured the devices chosen; we did 50 devices that year. But this event is something that all my constituents look forward to.”
Gibbs stressed that the drive is designed to help parents cope with rising costs. “Expenses for back-to-school have increased every year. So, this is our way of helping parents in the constituency manage those increased costs,” he said.
He added that this year’s demand was the highest yet. “Every year, it has grown slightly, and what we do is partner with Abed’s and Thani’s for the school uniforms and shoes. They facilitate us every year and even throw in a few vouchers, so that I can meet my increased demand.”
In total, 236 children benefited from this year’s programme. “Through donations in the community, we tend to put together a programme costing around $25 000,” Gibbs said. “With the help of all the people I mentioned before, and other individuals in the community, we’re able to reach that total.”
(SZB)
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