St. Joseph, Barbados – St. Bernard’s Primary School in Lammings, St. Joseph, recently received a generous donation of school supplies from the Jones Ancestral Family. This philanthropic act is part of the family’s ongoing commitment to supporting the school, rooted in their deep historical connection to the area.
The Jones Ancestral Family, whose members can trace their lineage back to 1797 when their ancestor was born enslaved at Lammings Plantation, has maintained strong ties to the community. Many family members attended St. Bernard’s School before spreading out to North America, Europe, and various parts of Barbados. In 2017, during a family reunion in Barbados, they donated a barrel of school supplies to the school, establishing a tradition of giving that they have continued to this day.
Looking ahead to their 2025 reunion, the family has decided to adopt St. Bernard’s Primary School, with plans to provide continuous support. Instead of a single shipment, family members will make individual contributions over time. Their recent donation, made on June 21, 2024, included approximately 476 regular pencils, 24 colored pencils, 48 washable markers, and 328 crayons, along with six pencil sharpeners. This donation aims to meet the immediate needs of the 140 students currently enrolled at the school.
In a heartfelt letter to the school’s principal, Terry Morris, a representative of the Jones Ancestral Family, highlighted their commitment: “We are making plans for another reunion in 2025, so instead of a shipment, some of us will donate supplies at various times as we have decided to adopt St. Bernard’s school. I was told that the school needs pencils and crayons and that there are 140 students enrolled.”
On Friday, June 21, 2024, the donation was formally handed over to the school. Principal Michelle Blackman, along with two teachers, proudly stood with students displaying the new stationery. This event marks another chapter in the ongoing support from the Jones Ancestral Family, reinforcing their enduring bond with St. Bernard’s Primary School and their dedication to enhancing the educational experience for its students.
(PR)