Thanks to the contributions of Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) and a dedicated group of Canadian volunteers, the construction of Goodwill Early Childhood Learning Center in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica is now complete. The new school, a significant upgrade from the existing one, is the 24th school built in partnership with HHJF and Food For The Poor Canada.

Food For The Poor and Jamaica’s Ministry of Education recognized the need to renovate Goodwill to address the immediate needs of Port Antonio’s children between the ages of 3 and 6. The finished building includes 4 classrooms complete with desks and chairs, an office area, an infirmary, bathrooms, and a kitchen. The school includes a playground for the children to play in a safe environment.

Goodwill Early Childhood Learning Center was built in honour of the late Denise Jones, a founding member and integral part of Helping Hands Jamaica. Although Denise passed away in December 2020, her contributions as a Jamaican community leader in Canada and a committed volunteer will never be forgotten.

The new building will be open to Port Antonio’s young children in 2022. We look forward to giving the young students of today an opportunity to be the leaders of tomorrow.