Help Me Empower Literacy for Children in Jamaica

In a small room, with stacks of rusted metal chairs, hanging ceilings, and grilled windows, you will find children who gather a few days per week to learn how to read. Many are 11 and 12 year olds. They meet with a volunteer who has made it her mission to empower these children with the gift of literacy.

Hi, I’m Nerissa Persaud, a Guyanese-Canadian mother of two, a writer, philanthropist, humanitarian and I have made it my mission to help children get a change to understand their world by allowing them opportunities to participate in their learning journey.

Through my philanthropic and humanitarian work with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, I am exposed to many spaces that not only need our attention but becomes lost if we don’t pay attention.

Empowering young children to read, write and create, is one such space, and the reason I have decided to launch this GoFundMe.

The conception of this project arose after making several visits to schools often tucked within the rural hills of the Saint James Parish. Over these visits, it became clear that what might be considered ordinary needs for many were creating severe learning gaps in others. The ripple effects from these gaps often leave classrooms and teachers ill-equipped, stretched, and burned out to supply the growing needs of children who drift further from realizing their potential.

As a mother, advocate, and citizen committed to spreading kindness, I understand the ripple effects that occur when children transition into adolescence and adulthood without adequate development during their early, formative years.

Today, I am earnestly inviting you, to join me on this mission. Your generous donations will provide vital resources to help a child participate and understand their world a little better.

In the wise words of C.S, Lewis ‘we read to know that we are not alone,’ so please help me bridge the gaps in literacy faced by so many children who are alone.

Thanking you for your kind and generous donations.

Nerissa Persaud