Councillor hosts back-to-school treat

Approximately 400 children from the communities of Three Hills, Charles Town and Retreat received gifts, educational material, food, and entertainment earlier this week, thanks to a multipurpose back-to-school treat held at the Three Hills Sports Complex in Three Hills, St Mary.

The back-to-school treat, hosted annually by Councillor Hugh Radway and the St Mary Parish Council, also featured the official opening of a resource centre that aims to provide students with Internet access, and the presentation of $120,000 worth of scholarship cheques to eight students.

Speaking after the presentation, Radway told The Gleaner: "This back-to-school treat is a combination of events. For one, we had a medical team providing students with their medicals free of cost. We also had a social fair where agencies such as the Jamaica Public Service, the National Water Commission, and a few others came down to rap with residents to see how they can deal with some issues. I also provided some scholarships because nothing beats education. Rather than giving people fish to eat, we want to teach them how to fish. We are trying to make the young people in this area trainable, so they can be employable, and these things start at the grass roots."

According to the secretary for the Liberty Estate and Three Hills Citizens' Association, Keisha Eccleston, the councillor's focus on education is making a positive impact on the community.