Digicel Foundation Renews Commitment to Special Needs Education on Labour Day

Kingston, Jamaica – May 23rd, 2024 – On Labour Day, May 23, 2024, Digicel Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to Special Needs education by returning to Genesis Academy. Several Digicel staff members volunteered to give the school a fresh coat of paint, highlighting the Foundation’s ongoing support for the institution they first assisted in 2008.

Genesis Academy was the inaugural Special Needs school renovated under Digicel Foundation’s Centres of Excellence programme. This initial intervention allowed the school to expand its academic programmes and establish a vocational skill training centre, significantly enhancing the educational opportunities for its students.

Marcelo Cataldo, Digicel Group CEO, spoke about the importance of this project. He shared, “We are grateful to have the opportunity to help our community, especially this school that helps so many children with Special Needs to grow and develop. Labour Day is not just a public holiday but a day for community involvement and I am happy that the Digicel Foundation is a key part of this initiative.”

Stacey-Ann Newman, Principal of Genesis Academy, in expressing her gratitude said, “It means the world to us that Digicel Foundation is helping create a more welcoming environment here at our school. The support from the Foundation over the years has been truly transformative.”

In addition to the work at Genesis Academy, Digicel Foundation staff also engaged in other Labour Day projects, including a collaboration with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at Convent of Mercy Academy 'Alpha' to establish a climate change garden, painting classrooms at the Salvation Army School for the Blind in partnership with the NCB Foundation and beautifying the Family and Parent Centre in St. James, led by Digicel Foundation Board Director, Joy Clark.

The national theme for Labour Day 2024 was "Ramp Up Di Access…Show You Care," emphasising inclusion and support for Jamaicans with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.