Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Third District resident, Julian Willock, has announced an innovative approach to his 2024 Back-to-School initiative dubbed “3 Hours, 3 Schools in District 3”, which will target three schools in the Sea Cows Bay area with direct donations.
Willock, alongside his Third District Committee, has selected the Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Anglican School, and Ebenezer Thomas Primary School to receive school supply donations on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Over 100 bags, books, and other supplies will be donated directly to these schools. Unlike traditional back-to-school drives, Willock noted that the principals and teachers at each school will be responsible for distributing the items to students in need throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
Explaining the shift in strategy, Willock stated, “We took a different approach as there were a few back-to-school events in different communities already, but the feedback was that some had too many restrictions such as having to be from a specific district or having to register your child. Our approach is to truly help students who are needy, and the principals and teachers who are on the ground know best the needs of their students.”
There exists only one requirement for students to receive supplies, which is to be enrolled at one of the three selected schools in the Third District. The donations will be made next week as part of a one-day initiative dubbed “3 Hours, 3 Schools in District 3.”
In addition to these donations, Willock and his team are planning a separate and special contribution for the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, which is currently housed in the Sea Cows Bay area.
Willock expressed gratitude to this year’s sponsors, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, and his Third District Committee. He also extended special thanks to Ms. Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies for her support.
