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In collaboration with St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen
(operated by Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church and the Franciscan Friars),
the Rotary Club of Negril has made the community programme “Get Kids To
School” one of their priorities for the year. For more information or to donate to this programme, email: getkidstoschool@gmail.com
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| St. Anthony's Kitchen serves a hot meal to nearly 200 hungry residents three days a week. Rotarians who actively volunteer in serving the meals became
aware of approximately 35 children who frequently attend the kitchen when they
should be in school. Initial efforts by Rotarians and US Peace Corps Volunteers
were to occupy the children by providing simple reading and craft exercises. Early
on the Negril Rotary club provided tents, tables and chairs for this purpose.
It
soon became clear that the goal must be to get these children to attend school
regularly, and the challenge is mainly financial. Rotarians
recognize that many of the children do not have birth certificates, and have no
funds for transportation, uniforms, shoes, books or lunches.
Through
the Rotary network the clubs in Negril and Grapevine Texas hope to provide a
school bus by way of a Rotary International grant. If successful, Mary Gate of
Heaven Church will finance operating and maintenance costs. A bus would
significantly reduce transportation costs, however, the cost for the remaining
elements of the programme are significant.
Negril Rotary President, Ken Cooney is optimistic, “We are
seeking to establish sustainable funding of around US$1200 per month.
Fund-raising efforts though the Rotary and Franciscan organisations have
already secured part of the amount needed.”
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Rotary Club of Negril
