Residents of Dalvey and neighbouring communities in St Thomas benefited from the annual Back-to-School Treat and Education Assistance Programme organised by the Smile Saver Foundation last Saturday.

The initiative, now in its second year, was held at Dalvey Primary and Infant School and sought to equip and empower more than 200 students with essential back-to-school supplies, resources and encouragement ahead of the new academic year. CEO and Founder of the Smile Saver Foundation, Chantal Richards, said the organisation is primarily focused on oral-hygiene education, providing oral-health tools to children in low-socioeconomic communities and offering educational support through its back-to-school initiatives.

“Last year, we were able to assist 120 students to go back to school. This year, our organisation is providing 200 packages to children in the community and also those who are coming from outside of the community,” she said. Richards told JIS News that the event was also intended to provide a day of relief and enjoyment for students, parents, caregivers and members of the school community.