Directors and staff of the CHASE Fund visited the Dupont Primary and Infant School and St Anne’s Infant School, both in Kingston to read to students and donate books in observance of Read Across Jamaica Day (RAJD) on May 6, 2025.

All the books used on the day, as well as those donated to the schools, were written by Jamaican authors including the popular “Jamaica in My Tummy” by Jean Hawthorn-DaCosta, who joined the CHASE Team to read to students from her book about a Jamaican girl’s gastronomic journey across the island.

“Reading is a cornerstone of education and empowerment,” said Latoya Aquart-Foster, Project Manager the CHASE Fund. “By participating in Read Across Jamaica Day, we hope to motivate children to read more from an early age. Each book they pick up is a chance to meet new characters, explore different cultures, and experience thrilling stories that can inspire them in countless ways,” she said.

The RAJD initiative aligns with the CHASE Fund’s broader mission to support educational projects, literacy programmes, and community activities that enhance learning outcomes across Jamaica for students at the early childhood education level.

In addition to the donation of books to the Jamaica Library Service and schools, the CHASE Fund has been supporting literacy programmes that specifically target early childhood students. One of these programmes, Read Right from the Start (RRFTS), was implemented in partnership with the United Way of Jamaica. The RRFTS professional learning model provided teachers with the support and resources needed to help students bridge the language and literacy gap commonly present in early learners.

The CHASE Fund has also given funding support to the Lindamood Bell Learning Process workshops administered by Creative Language-Based Learning. Workshops and seminars have facilitated presentations on learning methodology aimed at identifying children with language, spelling and comprehension challenges and provided learning techniques and solutions using concept imagery, sound and speech to improve language comprehension and thinking.

W. Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund, noted that some of the CHASE Funded programmes have been aimed at special needs students. One such project was the Early Childhood Development Legacy Project, spearheaded by the Early Childhood Commission and implemented at the Savanna-la- Mar Inclusive Infant Academy which has been a model for public and private partnership, providing early childhood education services to children with special needs in Westmoreland.

“Ensuring the literacy achievement of students with special needs is a fundamental component of providing equitable and inclusive education. These students often face unique challenges that can hinder their access to and progress in literacy skills, which are essential for academic success, social integration, and lifelong learning. By prioritizing targeted interventions, differentiated instruction, and supportive resources, educators can create an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills,” Heaven said.

Under its Education portfolio, the CHASE Fund focuses on building infant schools and resource centres; equipping and upgrading early childhood institutions; health screening and providing scholarships for specialist training in Early Childhood Education.

The Barking Lodge Primary and Infant School in St. Thomas now has a new infant facility. The keys to the new building were officially handed over to the Principal, Tania Johnson, during a ceremony on March 10 by W. Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund. The construction of the facility was financed by the Fund at a cost of $41.2M.

The project entailed the renovation and expansion of the existing teacher’s cottage into two classrooms, a sickbay, bathrooms, kitchen and staff offices. Funding also facilitated the provision of the necessary staff and student furniture, kitchen and play equipment as well as the installation of a perimeter fence for the school which has served the community for over 30 years.

Addressing an audience of community stakeholders, teachers, students and parents, W. Billy Heaven, CEO of the CHASE Fund said since inception, the CHASE Fund had invested J$7.04B in the early childhood education sector. “At CHASE we recognize that a child’s formative years are crucial in shaping their lifelong learning and success. That is why since our inception we have worked tirelessly to enhance early childhood education across Jamaica in order to ensure that our youngest minds have access to safe, nurturing and well-equipped learning environment,” Heaven said.

He added that in the current financial year – April 1, 2024-March 31, 2025 – the Fund had added 7,000 sq feet of infrastructure development space in four schools in addition to the other priority areas of upgrading and equipping schools; training of ECI practitioners; and institutional support for Early Childhood Commission initiatives.

The CHASE CEO also highlighted the importance of all stakeholders who play a pivotal role in shaping the development experience of students including educators, parents, caregivers the government agencies and the community.

Dr. Michelle Charles, Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern, acknowledged the CHASE Fund’s investment. “The CHASE Fund has not just renovated and expanded the teacher’s cottage into a fully-equipped infant department, but it has also provided the necessary resources to create a safe and stimulating environment for our youngest learners,” she said.

Dr. Charles noted the construction of the school as an addition to the many developments taking place in the parish, including the completion of the highway from Yallahs to Morant Bay. “This investment in Barking Lodge, is an investment in the future of St. Thomas and it sends a powerful message that our children matter, our teachers deserve the best and our community is worthy of development,” she said. Dr. Charles capped her address with the presentation of clocks to teach time to students and books for the school library.