MONTEGO BAY, St James — Guided by input from school officials who have a clear idea which students are most in need of help ahead of the new school term, Excelerate Energy and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MBCCI) have handed out supplies and cash grants to more than 300 youngsters.

The donations were made to students from the early childhood, primary and secondary levels during a back-to-school fair held at Pier One in Montego Bay on Monday. This year’s staging took on added importance as the event was not held last year due to changes in the structure of Excelerate Energy; and was the first one the company and its partners have hosted since Hurricane Melissa.

“This means a lot to a parent [who] is able now to put resources elsewhere. This programme is not just picking a name out of a hat, it’s with consultation with the school and guidance counsellors so we are able to just monitor and make sure that the right persons get the resources that are required,” noted Ministry of Education’s regional director for Region Four Dr Michele Pinnock.