JYAP contributing to a brighter, safer future for Jamaica
Published:Friday | April 11, 2025 | 12:09 AMKeisha Hill - Senior Gleaner Writer
The Jamaican Youth Assistance Programme (JYAP) is committed to empowering primary school students by providing essential school supplies, uniform assistance, and access to enrichment opportunities.
According to JYAP’s founder, Dennis Sutherland, their vision is a Jamaica where every child can access the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond. By supporting students, fostering educational engagement, and creating a pathway out of poverty, the aim is to build a future where education is a tool for reducing crime and creating opportunities for all Jamaican youth.
“We aspire to nurture young minds, ensuring no child is left behind due to a lack of resources. We work alongside communities to support families, foster academic success, and reduce barriers to education. We recognise that every child deserves the chance to thrive. Through personal relationships with schools, we aim to uplift youth, nurture their potential, and contribute to a brighter, safer future for Jamaica,” Sutherland said.
As a young child, Sutherland said he felt the pangs of challenging times, because of his unfavourable financial circumstances. He said during his early years he felt embarrassed because of his academic standing, and vowed that when he had the opportunity, he would try to positively impact the lives of young people.
“What I went through, I would not want another child to have this kind of experience. I decided to give back through the foundation. Initially, I joined with someone else and adopted a school, but after the effects of Hurricane Beryl, we decided to focus on the most affected areas – Clarendon, Manchester and St Eizabeth. I did not want to limit myself to one school,” Sutherland said.
The objective this year he said are to give bag packs to 1,400 students across the island’s 14 parishes. At least 100 students per parish at the primary school in level in rural and inner-city Jamaica will receive these school supplies.
“Last year, we distributed 450 bag packs to needy students. The guidance counsellors and education officers from these schools assisted us in choosing these students. Each year we will gift a new set of students, so those students that are in need will get the resources that they need,” Sutherland said.
Sutherland began his mission in 1999, providing school supplies to students in his hometown and assisting schools with critical resources like projectors, whiteboards, and markers. Over the years, his impact grew by 2019, he began personally supporting students by covering school fees, lunch money, and supplies, ensuring they had what they needed to stay in school.
In 2021, Dennis partnered with an associate to expand his reach, distributing 60 backpacks and supplies to students in need at a local primary school. This effort led to the launch of a breakfast programme, ensuring that students started their school day nourished and ready to learn.
Erica Richards, a volunteer with the Foundation said they have been collaborating with other volunteer groups where possible and other partners to effectively initiate the project.
Distribution of the bag packs, she said, will take place in the second week in August 2025. A GoFundMe website for US$25,000 has been launched to raise funds for the project: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empower-jamaicas-youth-with-your-support. So far only US$570 has been raised.
For further information: www.jyap.org; email: info@jyap.org