The project, dubbed SuperKids, saw volunteers with the SuperKids Literacy Project from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, being housed at Beaches Boscobel Resort and working with local students in seven primary and four basic schools.
"The Sandals Foundation is very pleased to be in partnership with SuperKids and helping in improving the Jamaican education system," said Heidi Clarke, the foundation's senior coordinator.
"This is the second year for this project and, so far, the response has been tremendous from all the parties involved, particularly the schools. The kids are so happy with their new computers and books and this is further proof that Sandals Foundation stands committed to education."
Sandals provide links
As part of its sponsorship, Sandals Resorts provided the links into the schools and the community through its public relations arm, coordinated transportation and provided on the ground logistical support.
"I personally visited a number of the schools to witness firsthand and it's an amazing programme which has a great impact on the students," Clarke further pointed out.
SuperKids helps students improve their reading scores through a curriculum in literacy, computers, art, music and sports. Last year, 42 volunteers teamed up with nine schools to work with more than 9,000 students. More than 11,000 books and scores of uniforms were also delivered to students. For the past two years, 160 computers have been donated to the schools.
"I am so overwhelmed by all I learnt. My reading has improved, I am better at computers and I have lots of new books to read," gushed 11-year-old Venessa Richards, a precocious young student from Boscobel Primary, one of the schools adopted by the Sandals Foundation,
Moesha Nembhard, a student of Parry Town Primary, another Sandals Foundation adopted school, was full of praise for the programme.
"I've never been on a computer, never had an email address ... now I can even research projects online," she said.
Laurel Brent-Harris, a senior official at the Ministry of Education, said she appreciated SuperKids' holistic approach.
"These volunteers engage the child fully. The ministry is pleased to play a role in such a wonderful endeavour," she said.
SuperKids volunteers
Among this year's 70 SuperKids volunteers were educators, computer technicians, athletic coaches, students, artists and musicians.
Teal Pierce, a volunteer from the United States, was "amazed to be immersed in the Jamaican culture and share their passion for a well-rounded education. Meeting and sharing with the students was an invaluable experience which I will cherish for the rest of my life".
Great Shape! Co-Founder Gretchen Lee noted that "a child who can't read becomes an adult who struggles in society."
She said the programme was indeed making a difference, as the schools that partner with the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape have all shown improvements in test scores.